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The Topics Database section contains information on a variety of topics and related issues regarding the implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), IDEA and other legislation. The section organizes the information by first providing the "big picture" of each topic and then issues from which you can choose to find out more information.

This approach provides the legislative context in which to understand each topic, as well as the important interrelationships to other topics in other laws that impact students and youth with disabilities. After choosing an issue, you can view information from Federal Sources and IDEA Partnership Organizations, including vetted documents from the U.S. Department of Education and resource documents from the IDEA Partnership organizations.

Please choose which topic you would like to learn more about:

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

On January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). The NCLB is the most sweeping reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) since ESEA was enacted in 1965. ESEA is pending reauthorization. View the ESEA Reauthorization for the latest information (Blueprint) from the Obama administration and recommendations from the IDEA Partnership partner organizations.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004)

This page provides general information and resources for the statute and regulations. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, which reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was signed on December 3, 2004. The regulations took effect on October 13, 2006.

Part B describes school age and preschool programs for children with disabilities ages three through five and six through 21. At this link, a variety of topics related to the implementation of Part B are available.

The Preschool  section of IDEA 2004 (Part B, Section 619) applies to children ages 3 through 5 if they meet the definition of a child with a disability.  Many children in this age group show a developmental delay but because of their young age, can not yet be identified by category.

The Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C of IDEA) is a federal grant program that assists states in operating a comprehensive statewide program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities serving ages of birth through age 2 years, and their families. At this link, a variety of topics related to the implementation of Part C are available.

Part D of IDEA '97 authorizes national program activities and federal funding for Research and Innovation, Personnel Preparation, Technical Assistance and Dissemination, Parent Training and Information, Technology, Media Services, and Studies and Evaluation. Information on federal investments is available at this link.