This section provides Dialogue Guides based on federal Topic Briefs published by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).  You may access them on OSEP's searchable website Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004.

Understanding the information in the Topic Briefs is important for the implementation of IDEA 2004.  IDEA 2004 requires people in different roles to work together.  It is easier to work together and more productive if you understand what their role is, what the statute and regulations requires of them.  It is also important to understand their views or how they think and feel about these requirements.  The dialogue guides raise questions that encourage and support community members in conversation.   Shared understanding and better implementation of IDEA 2004 is the goal, which ultimately results in improved outcomes for children and youth.

We invite you to read the Dialogue Guide Facilitator Handbook to gain a better understanding of the facilitator's roles and responsibilities in conducting dialogue.

The OSEP Topic Briefs and dialogue guides are divided into two sections. To begin, choose your IDEA 2004 section from the list below: