Balancing student mental health needs and discipline: A case study of the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

This research uses a case study approach to assess the implementation of the disciplinary procedures in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA), a federal policy developed to ensure the inclusion of all children with disabilities in state public education systems. The findings indicate that many factors influence the implementation of IDEA's disciplinary practices. Such factors include teacher and administrator knowledge of the law and policies, teacher and administrator discretion, school-based resources, and parental involvement. Many areas of noncompliance are apparent.