The Text of the Law

I have noted that the parent document, "94-142.html" has been included as part of several instructional syllabi at universities. Presumably the information on that page is sufficient for the purpose. If not, here's where to find further information:

IDEA text and regulations from The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education

(menu page for ERIC)

Title 20, § 1400, et seq.

This is the main part of the law.

When a law is passed, it is codified according to subject matter, so the provisions of one law may easily fall into several parts of the US Code. The following details how to search for this:

Search Cornell Site

First open a the listing of the US Code titles:
www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/#TITLES (section 20 is education)

Then do a search of "92-142" as follows:
www4.law.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/empower?DB=uscode

This is a cgi script. Type in "94-142" (with or without the quotes) There are something like 1200 sections of the US Code where this law appears, but the first few are presumably most relevant. Compare these entries to the list of US Code titles to see the general subject matter.

As to the actual meaning of all of this, one would have to look at the interpertation of the various courts. Since most US law is judicially interperted Common Law, court cases are especially important in explaining the meaning of the law. While the statute is the "primary authority", judicial decisions are controlling. This is a little different from statuory common law, as used in, for example, Israel, or Civil Law, as used in, for example, France. Court interpertation may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in the US.

When you are teaching kids with IEPs, remember that you can make a real difference in their lives. If you think of that, you will do an excellent job.

Is It A Cheetah? by Stephanie S. Tolan

This is what should be "required reading". Please look at this at least once.

back to the 94-142 webpage

other Public Law 94-142 links from the Ritilin is Child Abuse site.

This page copyright 1999, Stan Protigal

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