Free Appropriate Public Education

Definition

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is a legal requirement that ensures students with disabilities receive an education that is tailored to their individual needs at no cost to their families. This principle is central to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that public schools provide special education and related services designed to meet each child's unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FAPE is guaranteed under the IDEA, which was first enacted in 1975 and has been amended multiple times to strengthen protections for students with disabilities.
2. Schools are required to provide educational services at no cost to parents, ensuring access to necessary resources such as specialized instruction and therapies.
3. The concept of FAPE includes not only access to education but also the provision of support services, such as speech therapy or counseling, based on individual student needs.
4. To qualify for FAPE, a student must have a recognized disability that impacts their ability to benefit from the general education curriculum.
5. The failure to provide FAPE can lead to legal consequences for schools, including lawsuits or federal funding penalties.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of FAPE ensure that students with disabilities receive a customized educational experience?
  • FAPE ensures that students with disabilities receive a customized educational experience by mandating that public schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each eligible student. The IEP outlines specific educational goals tailored to the student's unique needs and details the special education and related services that will be provided. This personalized approach helps ensure that each child can access an education that is appropriate for them and promotes their academic growth.
• What role does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act play in upholding the standards of FAPE in public schools?
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act plays a crucial role in upholding the standards of FAPE by establishing the legal framework that requires public schools to provide free appropriate public education to students with disabilities. IDEA outlines the specific rights of students and their families, mandates the development of IEPs, and emphasizes the importance of providing educational services in the least restrictive environment. By setting these requirements, IDEA ensures that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school.
• Evaluate how FAPE impacts the long-term outcomes for students with disabilities and society as a whole.
  • FAPE has significant implications for both long-term outcomes for students with disabilities and society as a whole. By providing access to appropriate educational resources, FAPE helps students develop critical skills needed for further education, employment, and independent living. This not only enhances their quality of life but also promotes inclusivity within society. As these individuals gain the necessary education and skills, they can contribute to the workforce and community, ultimately benefiting society by reducing reliance on social services and fostering economic growth.

Related terms

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): A federal law that ensures students with disabilities are provided with a free appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

Individualized Education Program (IEP): A written plan developed for each eligible student with a disability, outlining specific educational goals and the services required to achieve them.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): A principle stating that students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.