Which federal law mandates the provision of free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that mandates the provision of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. This law ensures that eligible students receive specially designed instruction and related services that meet their unique needs in the least restrictive environment possible. IDEA emphasizes the importance of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student, which outlines specific educational goals and the services that will be provided.

This focus on personalized education is critical because it acknowledges that students with disabilities may require different resources and support structures to succeed academically compared to their non-disabled peers. Therefore, IDEA plays a pivotal role in promoting educational equity and access, ensuring that all students, regardless of their disabilities, can benefit from a public education that is tailored to help them thrive.