Which federal law ensures students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education?

Which federal law ensures students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education?

• A. ADA
• B. IDEA
• C. FERPA
• D. Section 504

Answer: (B)

Providing a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities is guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA requires schools to evaluate, determine eligibility for special education, and develop an individualized education program that outlines the special education and related services a student will receive at no cost to families. It also emphasizes placement in the least restrictive environment and ongoing progress monitoring with parental involvement. Other laws address related protections in different ways: the ADA covers accessibility and discrimination more broadly; Section 504 prevents discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations in programs receiving federal funds; FERPA protects the privacy of student records. But the specific guarantee of a free appropriate public education in the K-12 setting comes from IDEA.

Providing a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities is guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA requires schools to evaluate, determine eligibility for special education, and develop an individualized education program that outlines the special education and related services a student will receive at no cost to families. It also emphasizes placement in the least restrictive environment and ongoing progress monitoring with parental involvement.

Other laws address related protections in different ways: the ADA covers accessibility and discrimination more broadly; Section 504 prevents discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations in programs receiving federal funds; FERPA protects the privacy of student records. But the specific guarantee of a free appropriate public education in the K-12 setting comes from IDEA.