The State Board of Education, established by the General Assembly, is the principal administrative regulatory body for elementary/secondary and higher education in the Commonwealth. In addition to promulgating regulations, the Board has the statutory authority to "adopt broad policies and principles and establish standards governing the educational program of the Commonwealth." The Special Education regulations in Pennsylvania are found under the 22 PA Code, Chapter 14 for school districts, and Chapter 711 for charter schools.

Chapter 14:  This Chapter specifies how the Commonwealth will meet its obligations to suspected and identified children with disabilities who require special education and related services.

Chapter 711:  This chapter specifies how the Commonwealth, through the Department, will meet its obligation to ensure that charter schools comply with the IDEA and its implementing regulations, and Section 504 and its implementing regulations.

Chapter 4: Academic Standards and Assessment: The purpose of this chapter is to establish rigorous academic standards and assessments to facilitate the improvement of student achievement and to provide parents and communities a measure by which school performance can be determined.

Chapter 15: Protected Handicapped Students: This chapter addresses a school district's responsibility to comply with the requirements of Section 504 and its implementing regulations at 34 CFR Part 104 (relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance) and implements the statutory and regulatory requirements of Section 504.

Chapter 16: Special Education for Gifted Students: This chapter specifies how the Commonwealth will meet its obligations to suspected and identified gifted students who require gifted education to reach their potential. It is the intent of the Board that gifted students be provided with quality gifted education services and programs.