Which law mandates the provision of a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that mandates the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. This law ensures that children with disabilities receive special education and related services that are tailored to their individual needs. It emphasizes the importance of providing educational opportunities alongside their non-disabled peers in the least restrictive environment possible.

IDEA also outlines specific rights for students and their families, including the right to participate in the development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is essential for establishing specific educational goals and services. This law was designed to address past injustices and barriers to education for students with disabilities, promoting their inclusion and access to a quality education.

In contrast, while Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide protections against discrimination and ensure access to public services, they do not specifically mandate a free appropriate public education as IDEA does. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) primarily focuses on accountability and academic achievement in general education, without the specific provisions associated with special education that IDEA outlines.