Wisconsin · Federal Formula

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Grants

Eligibility

All Wisconsin public school districts that serve students with disabilities. IDEA Part B (ages 3-21) funds flow through WI DPI to every qualifying district. Funds must be used to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities.

Program Goals

IDEA ensures students with disabilities receive specialized instruction, related services, and access to the general curriculum. For CS and STEM education, IDEA funds can support assistive technology, accessible curriculum, and instructional tools that help students with IEPs participate in hands-on STEM learning alongside their peers.

Learn more at https://sites.ed.gov/idea/

Application

No competitive application required. WI DPI distributes IDEA Part B formula funds to districts through a consolidated application process. Funds must be documented in individual student IEPs for direct student services. District special education directors manage IDEA allocations.

Cycle Notes

Annual federal allocation. Wisconsin DPI finalizes allocations in spring. Funds must be obligated within the federal grant period.

Award Amount

Formula-based allocation. Wisconsin receives hundreds of millions in IDEA Part B funds annually, distributed to all qualifying districts based on child count and state funding formulas.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education products that qualify for this grant:

• Coding for Good Kit — Accessible, hands-on learning that supports students with diverse needs in inclusive CS education environments.
• Climate Action Kit — Multisensory, project-based activities that can be adapted for students with different learning needs within inclusive STEM classrooms.
• Forward Education Learning Platform — Digital curriculum with multiple means of representation and engagement, supporting universal design for learning in CS and STEM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can IDEA funds be used to purchase curriculum kits for students with IEPs?
Yes, when the curriculum directly supports a student's IEP goals and provides FAPE. Work with your special education director to ensure proper documentation.

Is assistive technology covered under IDEA?
Yes. Assistive technology devices and services required for a student to access their education are explicitly covered under IDEA.

Can IDEA funds be used for general classroom curriculum?
IDEA funds must primarily benefit students with disabilities. Curriculum that is part of inclusive, co-taught classrooms serving students with IEPs can qualify when properly documented.

How does a teacher access IDEA funds for classroom materials?
Work with your school's special education coordinator or director. IDEA purchases must be tied to student IEP goals and go through the district's special education budget.

Can IDEA and Title I funds both support the same classroom?
Yes — they serve different purposes. IDEA supports students with disabilities specifically; Title I supports low-income students generally. Both can fund components of an inclusive classroom.