Does IDEA restrict reporting of criminal behavior?

ANSWER:

IDEA does not restrict the right of schools, or anyone, to report a crime to appropriate law enforcement and judicial authorities [CFR 300.535(b)(1)].

But, IDEA does require the school--to the extent consistant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act--to give copies of the child's special education and discipline records to the appropriate authorities for their consideration [CFR 300.535(b)(2)].

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LIMITATIONS OF THE TOOL:
The tool currently only includes the federal requirements. Federal requirements apply in all states and states may add on (but not subtract) from the Federal laws. The tool doesn't currently incorporate court decisions or other authoritative interpretation of the law that can clarify issues not explicitly clear from the statute or regulations alone.

Copyright 2008, Matthew J. Stowe. All rights reserved.