Government and Educational Resources
US Resources
ERIC - the Education Resources Information Center - is an online digital library of education research and information. ERIC is sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education. ERIC provides ready access to education literature to support the use of educational research and information to improve practice in learning, teaching, educational decision-making, and research.
The National Institute for Literacy, a federal agency, provides leadership on literacy issues, including the improvement of reading instruction for children, youth, and adults. In consultation with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, the Institute serves as a national resource on current, comprehensive literacy research, practice, and policy.
ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. ED's 4,200 employees and $68.6 billion budget are dedicated to:
Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research.
Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.
The HEATH Resource Center provides online, web based resources on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. The HEATH Resource Center has information for students with disabilities on educational disability support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, accessing college or university campuses, career-technical schools, and other postsecondary training entities.
UK Resources
Disabled Students' Allowances provide extra financial help if you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia. They are paid on top of the standard student finance package and don't have to be repaid.
The Special Educational Needs & Disability Tribunal was set up by the Education Act 1993. It considers parents' appeals against the decisions of Local Education Authorities (LEAs) about children's special educational needs if parents cannot reach agreement with the LEA. The Tribunal is independent. The Lord Chancellor appoints the President and the chairmen, and the Secretary of State for Education and Skills appoints the members. But the Government cannot influence the tribunal's decision, and the tribunal has no connection with any LEA.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families leads work across Government to ensure that all children and young people stay healthy and safe; secure an excellent education and the highest possible standards of achievement; enjoy their childhood; make a positive contribution to society and the economy and have lives full of opportunity, free from the effects of poverty.