The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) and the updating of the Kansas State Regulations in 2008, continues the commitment to ensure that all students have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), will be included in the general education curriculum and will demonstrate improved educational outcomes.

The Kansas Special Education for Exceptional Children Act expands federal law and regulations to include children who are identified as gifted and provides an opportunity for children enrolled in private schools by their parents to receive FAPE. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is required to provide information regarding any rules, regulations and policies not required by IDEA 2004 or Federal Regulations.

The 2011 edition of the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook was developed to provide guidance, resources and supports necessary for those professionals who work to improve results for exceptional children. The information provided in the 2011 Kansas Special Education Process Handbook attempts to clarify and define legal requirements of the law and regulations. Each chapter includes a brief overview specifying requirements that are particular to Kansas. In addition, each chapter includes links to valuable resources, sample forms and references. Users of the 2011 Kansas Special Education Process Handbook are encouraged to update any future documents which provide clarification to the law and regulations by KSDE or the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).