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Understanding FAPE
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A free appropriate public education is provided at no cost to parents. School districts must allow parents to review and examine records, participate in IEP meetings and have access to complaint procedures. Parents must be given notice of any proposed changes to their child’s placement or program. Parents who disagree with the school’s findings are allowed to request an
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
at no expense to them. Parents also have the right to pursue
due process.
Districts are considered to be in compliance with
FAPE if the IEP
enables the child to achieve educational progress. Sometimes, parents demand that the district provide their child with the latest gadget, service or even a private aide. However, the law states that a school district is NOT required to provide the BEST possible educational program, only one that meets the unique needs of the child and demonstrates educational benefit.
Often, the root of an contensious IEP meeting are the parties trying to agree on what should be considered a free and appropriate education.
Special Education history tells us that special education rights are relatively new. Hopefully, the law will continue to adapt and change as we learn more about learning disorders and how we can best educate our children.
