The booklet is designed to emphasize in simple terms the important points of the federal and state (Illinois) law related to special education. The following topics are covered: special education parents (parent role); parent-school partnerships (parent training); mandates for special education; individualized education programs (content, development); least restrictive environment; conflict resolution procedures (mediation); due process (hearing, state-level reviews); completion of high school programs; preparation for the transition to adult life (state resources); and parent advocacy (citizen advisory committees, parent associations). (CL)