IDEIA 2004 is the federal revision to special-education law that allows states to weaken rights of -- and support for -- special-education students and parents. States with stronger law in areas where the federal law allows weakening can opt to keep the laws stronger.

The good news is that special-education families and allies across New Jersey are joining together to call upon the Department of Education, acting Gov. Richard J. Codey and state legislators to stand with our children by foregoing the most offensive changes.

Part of the effort is being coordinated by The Student Advocate Web site, StudentAdvocate-NJ.org, where a petition drive already has garnered support from more than 600 New Jersey residents. The petition calls upon the state to hold the line on 11 points that are important to special education students and their families.

The following are issues addressed by the petition:

-- Elimination of short-term objectives.

-- The changing of an individualized education plan -- IEP -- period from one year to three years.

-- Regular education teachers would no longer need to attend IEP meetings.

-- Midterm assessments of progress toward objectives can be eliminated.

-- Stay put provisions prohibiting unilateral district placement change while an issue is in dispute can be eliminated.

-- Manifest determination rules can be weakened, making it easier to suspend or expel a child with a behavioral disability.

-- Increasing the time for which a child can be removed to an "alternative learning environment."

-- Decreasing the frequency parents must be notified of their rights.

-- Imposing a statute of limitations for holding a district legally accountable.

-- Imposing a state-run resolution meeting on due process procedures.

-- Increasing the age for transition service from 14 to 16.

If you are concerned about these issues, visit http://StudentAdvocate-NJ.org to sign the petition and learn of other efforts around the issue. You can get more information by calling (908) 881-5275.

The Web site provides tips on letter writing and other actions you can take. While the petition has been launched by A Parents' Initiative for Every Child's Education, it is being supported by organizations and individuals throughout New Jersey. You can learn more about the issue and this effort at a meeting 6:30 p.m. May 26 at Mary Jacobs Library, 64 Washington St., Rocky Hill.

In New Jersey, there are 225,000 special-education students. There are from 300,000 to 400,000 parents of such children. Add in our relatives, advocates and other supporters, and we could represent a million voters.

Imagine if we combine our efforts and resources. We can prevent the weakening of these laws that are so vital to the survival and realization of the full potential of our children.

BOB WITANEK

Belle Mead