PROBLEMS STEMMING FROM EDUCATION OF HANDICAPPED ACT P.L. 94-142
WHEREAS, the general intent of the Education of the Handicapped Act (PL 93-380; revisions PL 94-142) was supported by the American Federation of Teachers; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of this act may erode conditions of employment; and
WHEREAS, inadequate funding and administrative decisions in implementing the act are impairing the fulfillment of the expectations of this act:
RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers encourage and assist local bargaining teams to negotiate contractual safeguards for conditions of employment, such as:
- class size reductions when special education pupils are mainstreamed,
- limit on number of special education pupils to be included in any specific class,
- teacher receiving mainstreamed pupil to receive advance notice and to be included in development of IEP (individual educational program),
- inservice training and consultative assistance,
- flexibility in work day schedule to provide time for contacts with consultants and parents and participation in lEP's,
- extra compensation for time required beyond regular school day; and
RESOLVED, that AFT and the state federations lobby for changes in the regulations and for legislation to accomplish such things as:
- rights for teachers and other school employees in the due process hearings on parental appeals,
- modification of the requirements for annual, measurable, instructional objective,
- funding for inservice training and consultative services,
- funding of total added costs by state and federal appropriations; and
RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers appoint a special committee to give assistance to locals and members.
(1978)