The purpose of this section is to provide an opportunity for States to identify ways to reduce paperwork burdens and other administrative duties that are directly associated with the requirements of this chapter, in order to increase the time and resources available for instruction and other activities aimed at improving educational and functional results for children with disabilities.
In order to carry out the purpose of this section, the Secretary is authorized to grant waivers of statutory requirements of, or regulatory requirements relating to, subchapter II for a period of time not to exceed 4 years with respect to not more than 15 States based on proposals submitted by States to reduce excessive paperwork and noninstructional time burdens that do not assist in improving educational and functional results for children with disabilities.
The Secretary shall not waive under this section any statutory requirements of, or regulatory requirements relating to, applicable civil rights requirements.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to-
A State desiring to participate in the program under this section shall submit a proposal to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require.
The proposal shall include-
The Secretary shall terminate a State's waiver under this section if the Secretary determines that the State-
Beginning 2 years after December 3, 2004, the Secretary shall include in the annual report to Congress submitted pursuant to section 3486 of this title information related to the effectiveness of waivers granted under subsection (a), including any specific recommendations for broader implementation of such waivers, in-
20 U.S.C. § 1408
EDITORIAL NOTES
PRIOR PROVISIONSA prior section 1408, Pub. L. 91-230, title VI, §609, as added Pub. L. 99-457, title II, §202, Oct. 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 1158, related to eligibility for financial assistance, prior to the general amendment of subchapters I to IV of this chapter by Pub. L. 105-17.
- Secretary
- The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Education.
- State
- The term "State" means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each of the outlying areas.
- free appropriate public education
- The term "free appropriate public education" means special education and related services that-(A) have been provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge;(B) meet the standards of the State educational agency;(C) include an appropriate preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education in the State involved; and(D) are provided in conformity with the individualized education program required under section 1414(d) of this title.