What additional support does the IDEA Improvement Act of 2004 provide?

The IDEA Improvement Act of 2004, which reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, emphasized the importance of post-secondary transition planning for students with disabilities. One of the key requirements introduced by this act is the inclusion of post-secondary transition goals within the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students starting at age 16, or younger if appropriate. This means that IEPs must now outline specific goals related to the student’s transition from school to post-secondary education, vocational training, and independent living. This critical component ensures that students are better prepared for life after high school, enhancing their opportunities for success in adult life.

The other options do not align with the goals of the IDEA Improvement Act. For instance, the act actually aimed to improve services and supports, rather than reduce them or increase classroom sizes, focusing instead on providing enhanced educational opportunities for students with disabilities.