IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Eligibility
Tennessee public schools serving students with disabilities. All districts with special education programs receive IDEA formula funds.
Program Goals
IDEA funds special education services, assistive technology, and inclusive learning programs for students with disabilities. STEM tools and physical computing kits that support inclusive CS education can be funded when they are documented in a student's IEP or support special education program goals.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Formula grant. Districts receive IDEA funds through TDOE. Contact your district's special education director to discuss using IDEA funds for inclusive STEM tools.
Cycle Notes
Annual formula allocation through TDOE.
Grant Award Amount
Formula-based. Tennessee receives tens of millions in IDEA funds annually. Individual district amounts vary.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit to design solutions to real-world challenges
- CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Can IDEA funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes, when tools support students with disabilities in inclusive settings and are documented in IEPs or special education program plans.
How do Tennessee schools access IDEA funds for STEM tools?
Work with your district special education director. Tools must align to IEP goals or special education program objectives.
What documentation is needed to use IDEA funds for technology?
Document how the tool supports specific students' IEP goals or supports inclusive STEM instruction for students with disabilities.
How much IDEA funding does Tennessee receive?
Tennessee receives tens of millions annually. Individual district allocations vary.
How can Forward Education help with IDEA funding?
We provide documentation showing how our accessible kits support inclusive STEM learning for diverse learners.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Tennessee standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
