What major change occurred in 2004 regarding special educational services?

In 2004, the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) introduced significant changes to how special educational services are provided, particularly in relation to early intervention and determination of eligibility for services. One of the major shifts was the allowance of new methods for identifying children who may need special education services. This change enables educators to utilize approaches such as Response to Intervention (RTI), which emphasizes early identification and support for students who are struggling, rather than relying solely on standardized testing or waiting for a student to fall significantly behind before offering assistance.

This approach acknowledges that timely intervention can lead to better outcomes and supports the notion that educational services should be proactive rather than reactive. The other options do not reflect the changes instituted by IDEA in 2004, as they suggest either a passive approach or funding cuts, which were not part of the intent behind this legislative change.