What laws govern special education services in schools?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are the primary laws that govern special education services in schools. IDEA specifically mandates that eligible children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This ensures that students with disabilities have the right to access specialized instruction and services necessary to support their educational progress.

On the other hand, Section 504 serves to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities from discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including public schools. It provides a broader definition of disability compared to IDEA and requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications to ensure that students with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of the educational environment.

Together, these laws ensure that students with disabilities are provided access to education in an equitable and effective manner, laying the foundation for their academic success and inclusion in school settings. This combination of legal protections highlights the commitment to meeting the educational needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities.