Every student who gets special education is covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That federal law spells out what all states must do to meet the needs of students with disabilities. But in many areas, IDEA leaves room for states to interpret the rules and pass their own laws on how to apply them.
State laws can not contradict IDEA, and they can’t provide less than the federal law requires. But they can offer more protections to kids and parents.
FAPE
Free: means that all eligible students with disabilities will be educated at public expense. There is no cost to you, the parent. You do, however, have to pay the same incidental fees as for general education students.
Appropriate: means that your child with a disability is entitled to an education that is appropriate for her. It will be tailored and planned to meet her needs as stated in her Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Public: refers to the public school system. Children with disabilities, whatever the nature or severity of their disabilities, have the right to be educated under public supervision. (Many children will be educated in the public school. In some cases, they might be educated in a private school.)
Education: must be provided to every eligible school-age child with a disability. If this describes your child, FAPE ensures that she’ll receive a public education that includes the services outlined in her Individualized Education Program (IEP). The education should prepare your child for the future- further education, employment and independent living.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A detailed description of all special education services a student receives
a legal document meant to improve the student's educational experience
includes: current performance, goals, settings, testing modifications
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 improves access to accommodations for students who have disabilities but don't qualify for services under the more rigid Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Section 504 is also relevant to all adults who have disabilities given that IDEA only "covers" students ages 3-22 (it does not apply to students after they have earned a high school diploma).
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was signed into law in 1965. No Child Left Behind was a re-authorization of this long-standing law. The NCLB version of the law focuses on outcomes for all students, including those who have disabilities. NCLB expanded the control the federal government exerted over state educational agencies. President Obama signed a new version of the law called the Every Student Succeeds Act(ESSA) which, among other elements, gave states more power.