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This guide will clarify some of the procedures of special education; however, it is not a complete explanation of all the special education laws. The guide does contain information about many of the most common topics related to the broad special education landscape, from identification and evaluation to transition planning and complaint procedures.  \nIf you are a parent reading this guide, your child may have been identified as having a disability or may be experiencing difficulties in school. All students possess differences, learn differently, and demonstrate varied abilities, factors that contribute to each person’s uniqueness. Special education is more about ability than disability, strengths over deficits. What your child can do is far more important than any perceived or actual limitations he or she may be experiencing. Because you know your child better than anyone else does, your involvement in the educational process is critical. Your school district wants and needs your involvement in your child’s education. This guide provides you with tips on how to work in partnership with your local school district on behalf of your child. We hope this information will give you a better understanding of the special education process in Illinois.  \nThis guide is not meant to replace the Notice of Procedural Safeguards that districts must give to parents of eligible children at specific times during the school year. If you have any questions about special education rules or regulations, call a consultant at the Special Education Department of ISBE at (217) 782-5589. The ISBE Special Education homepage has many resources and is located at the following web address: [https://www.isbe. net/Pages/Special-Education](https://www.isbe. net/Pages/Special-Education)Programs.aspx.  \nDr. Nakia Douglas  \nDirector, Special Education Department  \nTable of Contents  \nEducational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois................1  \nAcknowledgements ............................................................................................................................. 2  \nForeword ............................................................................................................................................ 3  \nTable of Contents ................................................................................................................................ 4  \nIntroduction: How to Use This Guide ................................................................................................... 7  \nChapter 1: Child Find ........................................................................................................................... 9  \nOverview ..................................................................................................................................................... 10  \nScreening ..................................................................................................................................","cbCaila1MyBZfj7H","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaila1MyBZfj7H","pdf",1471819,195,"English","# Introduction: How to Use This Guide\n# Chapter 1: Child Find\n## Overview\n## Screening\n## Child Find and English Learners\n# Chapter 2: Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)\n## What is MTSS?\n## The Role of Parents in an MTSS Process\n## English Learners in MTSS\n# Chapter 3: Referral and Evaluation\n## Referral\n## Evaluation and Reevaluation\n# Chapter 4: Eligibility Categories\n## Disability Category Definitions\n# Chapter 5: Additional Procedures for Specific Learning Disabilities\n## Overview","[{\"question\":\"Who is this parent guide intended for and what does it cover?\",\"answer\":\"It is for parents, teachers, administrators, and others who want to understand educational rights and responsibilities for children receiving special education and related services. It covers major procedures such as identification and evaluation, and related processes including transition planning and complaint procedures.\"},{\"question\":\"How does the guide describe a parent’s role in special education?\",\"answer\":\"It stresses that parental involvement is critical because parents know their child best. The guide provides tips for working in partnership with the local school district throughout the educational process.\"},{\"question\":\"What topics are covered in the early chapters of the guide?\",\"answer\":\"The early chapters include Child Find, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and referral and evaluation. These sections describe key steps such as screening, the parent role in MTSS, and evaluation and reevaluation processes.\"}]","Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois - The Parent Guide | PDF",1791598147,491]