Which federal law mandates that students with disabilities receive free appropriate public education?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that specifically mandates that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This law ensures that children with disabilities are provided with specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet their unique needs. It emphasizes the importance of providing educational services in the least restrictive environment, aiming to enhance the child's potential and ensure access to the general education curriculum alongside their peers.

IDEA also outlines the process for developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible students, thereby establishing comprehensive guidelines for how schools must accommodate and support students with disabilities. This framework is crucial for ensuring that the rights of such students are protected and that they have equal access to educational opportunities.

The other options may also relate to education and students' rights, but they serve different purposes and cover broader aspects. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability in various areas, including education, but does not specifically mandate educational provisions like IDEA. Meanwhile, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) focus on accountability and standards in education rather than directly addressing the rights of students with disabilities to FAPE