Which educational law ensures students with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the educational law that specifically ensures that students with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This law mandates that public schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to the unique needs of each student with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers.

IDEA emphasizes the importance of meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities, promoting inclusive practices and the modification of educational plans and resources to accommodate these students. By requiring schools to provide necessary services and supports, the law aims to protect the rights of students with disabilities and facilitate their learning in the least restrictive environment.

Other options, like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), focus more broadly on educational equity and overall student achievement. While they contribute to improving educational outcomes, they do not specifically address the requirements for providing a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities in the same manner as IDEA does.