What is the role of IDEA in the U.S. education system?

• A. It is a civil rights law requiring public schools receiving federal funds to provide equal access to education for children with disabilities
• B. It funds private schools
• C. It sets state testing standards for all students
• D. It provides funding for college scholarships

Answer: (A)

IDEA is a federal law that guarantees students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. It ties federal funding to schools’ obligations to identify, evaluate, and serve eligible students, and to develop an individualized education program (IEP) with input from parents. Beyond services, IDEA provides safeguards and due process protections to protect the rights of students and families. Because of these provisions, public schools that receive federal funds must ensure equal access to education for children with disabilities, which is why the statement describing IDEA as a civil rights law requiring such access is the best description. It does not fund private schools, does not set general state testing standards for all students, and does not provide funding for college scholarships.