IDEA
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is a major federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive appropriate education services. When appearing in education job descriptions or resumes, it refers to understanding and implementing special education requirements, accommodations, and support services. This law requires schools to provide specialized instruction and related services to eligible students, making it a crucial knowledge area for teachers, administrators, and education specialists.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented IDEA guidelines to develop individualized education programs for students with special needs
Maintained compliance with IDEA regulations while managing a caseload of 25 special education students
Conducted professional development workshops on IDEA requirements and IEP implementation
Typical job title: "Special Education Teachers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Special Education Teachers
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you lead a team in implementing IDEA requirements across a school district?
Expected Answer: Strong answers should include experience with district-wide policy development, staff training programs, compliance monitoring systems, and collaboration with various stakeholders including administrators, teachers, and parents.
Q: Describe your experience with challenging IEP situations and how you resolved them.
Expected Answer: Look for answers demonstrating leadership in conflict resolution, deep understanding of legal requirements, and ability to balance student needs with available resources while maintaining compliance.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure IDEA compliance in your classroom or caseload?
Expected Answer: Should discuss maintaining accurate records, meeting deadlines for evaluations and IEP meetings, implementing accommodations, and regular communication with parents and team members.
Q: Explain your process for developing and implementing IEPs.
Expected Answer: Should describe gathering assessment data, collaborating with team members, writing measurable goals, and monitoring student progress throughout the year.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main components of IDEA?
Expected Answer: Should mention key elements like Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), IEPs, and parent participation rights.
Q: How do you document student progress for IEP goals?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic data collection methods, progress monitoring tools, and regular assessment practices used to track student achievement of IEP goals.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of IDEA requirements
- IEP documentation and progress monitoring
- Classroom accommodations implementation
- Parent communication
Mid (2-5 years)
- IEP development and management
- Behavior intervention planning
- Assessment and evaluation procedures
- Collaboration with support services
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and oversight
- Staff training and mentoring
- Complex case management
- Policy development and implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of knowledge about basic IDEA requirements and timelines
- Poor understanding of IEP components and process
- Limited experience with special education documentation
- Unfamiliarity with accommodation implementation
- No experience in collaborative team meetings
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