As a school principal, a foundational understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is essential. The special education director, school psychologist, or special education teacher can share information about their roles and responsibilities that will be valuable to your future professional practice. The insights of your principal mentor regarding his or her involvement with special education programs and students, and efforts to collaborate with IEP teams, families, and students, is equally important.

Review the requirements for the current IDEA and meet with a special education director, school psychologist, or special education teacher at your field experience site. In the meeting, discuss their responsibilities as well as the responsibilities of principals in meeting the IDEA guidelines and the needs of these students. Conduct a second interview with your principal mentor about their involvement with special education students, including how they work collaboratively with the IEP teams, families/guardians, and students.

After the interviews, compile a list of 5-10 functions required of the principal to meet IDEA guidelines and to best serve and support special education faculty, staff, students, and families. Include 2-3 community resources that can be used by special education teams to access additional information on specific student needs.