Electives/Specials Classes I don't think there is any law or code that says a child must take specials.  I found this regarding PE   Definition: IDEA Special Education At 20 U.S.C. § 1401(25), the law defines special education: The term ‘special education’ means specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including - (A) instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings; and (B) instruction in physical education. The law is clear that special education is not limited to traditional special education classes. Special education should include a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. Special education may include “instruction conducted in the classroom,” intensive structured programs in residential facilities, one-to-one tutoring, remediation, and 40+ hour programs of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for young autistic children. The term “free appropriate public education” means “special education and related services that . . . are provided in conformity with (an) individualized education program (which is) . . . a written statement . . . that includes a statement of the child’s present levels of educational performance . . . measurable annual goals, including benchmarks or short-term objectives, . . . a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child and . . . for school personnel . . .” 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(1)(A) The child’s special education program must be reviewed at least once a year. An appropriate special education program provides the child with educational benefit so the child may become an independent functioning member of society. Summary The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to locate and identify children with disabilities who may be in need of specialized education. These children will “have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for employment and independent living; (and) . . . to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and parents of such children are protected . . .” 20 U.S.C. § 1401(d) The statute includes specific requirements about eligibility for services, components of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP), IEP team members, review of the child’s IEP, prior written notice, members of eligibility and IEP teams, and comprehensive procedural requirements related to disputes and complaints. Remember - law is always changing and evolving. To understand the law, you need to read the statute, the regulations, and cases that have interpreted the statute and regulations I know in our school to graduate  ( highschool) you have to get credits and a good amny are in electives..... None of my students are on "diploma" tracks. They are all on the modified/life skills curriculum. So, I don't imagine that would play a role. I'm still looking for something in the code (even the place that it says phys ed is required) - because I think that would be where it would say the other stuff is optional or required. I definitely agree that it is unusual. The parents want "ABA Discrete Trials" for as much of the day as possible, and feel that specials classes are not worth the effort. I am not sure of who would "cover" - because I am the only autism/self- contained teacher at the school. I would just be interested to know if there is something in the education code that says you have to participate in these electives/specials classes by law. Have you checked with your administration? You might also show the parents some research about the benefits of art and music programs, as well as inclusion. Good luck, Nicole Are parents allowed to tell the school district that they do not want their child to participate in electives (middle school) or specials (elementary school) classes, because they want more instructional time? I know that physical education is required, but is a parent allowed to exempt their child from art, music, etc.? From a contract standpoint, this would mean I would lose my prep time, because I would have a child in the room. While I understand the parents want their child to get as much individual instruction as possible, I do think that being exposed to peers as well as music/art/computers is very important. Does anyone know the answer to this? I've tried looking in the NJ Education code but can't seem to find anything. What an unusual request!  I would say, no. But administratively speaking, shouldn't someone determine you need your planning time, and cover the child for you?
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