what do NCLB and IDEA both mandate concerning their provisions in education

Answer 1

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are two important pieces of legislation in the U.S. that address various aspects of education, particularly focusing on the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.

NCLB (No Child Left Behind):

1. Accountability: NCLB mandates that all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, must achieve proficiency in reading and math. Schools are required to test students annually and report on their progress.
2. Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP): Schools must demonstrate AYP in order to not face sanctions. This holds schools accountable for the performance of all subgroups of students, including those with disabilities.
3. Quality of Instruction: NCLB emphasizes highly qualified teachers and effective instructional strategies to improve student achievement.

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act):

1. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): IDEA guarantees that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education tailored to their individual needs.
2. Individualized Education Program (IEP): IDEA requires the development of an IEP for each student with a disability, outlining specific educational goals and the services and support required to meet those goals.
3. Inclusion and least restrictive environment: IDEA mandates that students with disabilities be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

Common Mandates:

Both NCLB and IDEA share a focus on ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to quality education and the necessary support to succeed academically:

1. Accountability for student performance: Both laws emphasize holding schools accountable for the academic achievement of all students, including those with disabilities.
2. Focus on data and reporting: NCLB requires schools to report educational outcomes for different student groups, including students with disabilities, while IDEA ensures that educational progress is tracked for students with IEPs.
3. Equity in education: Both laws aim to provide equitable access to education, ensuring that students with diverse needs receive appropriate support and resources.

In summary, both NCLB and IDEA mandate provisions that seek to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, receive an appropriate education and the necessary support to succeed academically.