The Arc offers numerous resources to help guide you through the special education process for children, from birth to age 21.
Special education advocacy addresses academic issues of all kinds, supporting families in securing evaluations, developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEP), and determining educational placement. Advocates provide coaching, strategies, and information to empower parents and guardians to advocate for their family member.
This guide provides a basic introduction to Special Education.
Read The Arc Guide to Special Education
Refer to this guide to understand acronyms used in special education.
Arc Guide to Acronyms in Special Education
Students with disabilities must be educated in the least restrictive environment, as defined by law.
Arc Guide to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in Education
Section 504 is a part of a law that makes it illegal to discriminate based on disability.
Read the Arc Guide to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Education Provisions)
How to file a complaint if your child is not receiving appropriate special education services.
Read the Arc Guide to the Minnesota Department of Education Complaint System
An evaluation can determine if a student is eligible for special education and related services.
Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Evaluations
Learn about the variety of tools used for special education evaluations.
Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Evaluation Tools
Special education and related services are available to eligible children starting at birth.
Read the Arc Guide to Special Education for Infants and Toddlers
Mediation is a process to help resolve disagreements about a student’s special education program.
Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Mediation
An aide, or paraprofessional, can help students with disabilities learn and participate.
Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Paraprofessional Aides
How to understand terms and scoring systems used in special education testing.
Special Education Evaluation Terms
State testing is used to make sure all educational programs meet standards.
Read the Arc Guide to Minnesota State Testing for Students Receiving Special Education
Some students receiving special education services may need Assistive Technology.
Read the Arc Guide to Assistive Technology
Learn what parents and school districts can do to prevent bullying.
Read the Arc Guide to Bullying and Harassment
Special education services provided to eligible students during school breaks.
Read the Arc Guide to Extended School Year Services.
An assessment to understand the reasons for a student’s behavior.
Read the Arc Guide to Functional Behavior Assessment
This review happens when a school wants to change a student’s classroom or school building because of behavior.
Read the Arc Guide to Manifestation Determination Review
Specific guidelines for discipline for students with disabilities.
Read the Arc Guide to Suspension and Manifestation Determination