The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that supports educational access for children with disabilities. This lesson introduces its purpose, historical roots, and four-part structure.
For much of U.S. history, many children with disabilities were excluded from public schools or placed in segregated institutions with little effective instruction. In the early 1970s, public schools served only about one in five children with disabilities. More than one million children had no access to the public school system.
All flashcards
What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
A written plan describing an eligible student’s educational needs, goals, services, and supports.
What does FAPE mean under IDEA?
Free Appropriate Public Education: special education and related services provided at public expense and in accordance with the student’s IEP.
What is the least restrictive environment (LRE) principle?
Students with disabilities are educated with nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
What is an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)?
A strengths-based Part C plan that sets outcomes and services for an infant or toddler and family.
How does Section 504 differ from IDEA?
Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination in federally funded programs; IDEA provides specialized education and related services to eligible children.
Quiz questions
What standard did the Supreme Court establish in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District for an IEP?Answer: It must be reasonably calculated to enable progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances.
Under Forest Grove School District v. T.A., when may parents be eligible for reimbursement for private-school expenses?Answer: When the public school failed to make FAPE available, even if the child had not previously received its special education services.
What did the Supreme Court hold in Cedar Rapids Community School District v. Garret F.?Answer: IDEA could require the district to fund continuous one-to-one nursing care despite its cost concerns.
When may IDEA require a manifestation determination during school discipline?Answer: When a disciplinary removal changes the student’s placement.
Which statement best distinguishes IDEA eligibility from Section 504 protection?Answer: The laws have different eligibility rules, and Section 504’s disability definition is broader than IDEA’s categories.