    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [June 4, 1997]
    [Pages 701-702]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
    Amendments of 1997
    June 4, 1997

        It is with great pleasure that I have today signed into law H.R. 5,
    the ``Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997.''
    This Act reaffirms and strengthens our national commitment to the
    education of children with disabilities and their families.
        Since the enactment of Public Law 94-142 over 20 years ago, the
    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has made it possible
    for millions of children with disabilities to receive an education,
    helping them become productive adults. The bill before me today builds
    on that success story by:
        --putting an even sharper focus on improving educational results for
            these children through greater access to the general curriculum
            and inclusion in State and districtwide assessments;
        --giving parents more information, including regular reports on
            their children's progress, and a greater role in decisions
            affecting their children's education;
        --reducing paperwork and increasing administrative flexibility;
        --asking children with disabilities, along with schools, teachers,
            and parents to assume

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            greater responsibility for the children's success; and
        --promoting the use of mediation to resolve disagreements between
            parents and schools.
        This bill also gives school officials the tools they need to ensure
    that the Nation's schools are safe and conducive to learning for all
    children, while scrupulously protecting the rights of children with
    disabilities. It also includes a substantial commitment from the Federal
    Government to support the professional development of special and
    regular education teachers who work with children with disabilities,
    research and technological innovations to improve their education, the
    training of parents, and the provision of technical assistance.
        This bipartisan legislation is the result of a unique process
    involving the Congress, the Department of Education, parents, educators,
    the disability community, and other interested parties. I thank all who
    played a part in this great achievement. Successful implementation of
    the revised IDEA is the key to the future for children with disabilities
    and it will help them become successful and contributing members of
    their communities.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    June 4, 1997.

    Note: H.R. 5, approved June 4, was assigned Public Law No. 105-17.