FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

What was the key ruling in Board of Education v. Rowley regarding education for students with disabilities?

1. Schools must provide an interpreter for all deaf students

2. Students with disabilities must be provided a basic floor of opportunity

3. Parents can dictate educational services for their children

4. All students must have the same educational resources

The correct answer is: Students with disabilities must be provided a basic floor of opportunity

The key ruling in Board of Education v. Rowley established that students with disabilities are entitled to a "basic floor of opportunity" in their education, which means schools must provide an education that is tailored to their individual needs, enabling them to benefit from the educational process. This ruling clarified that while students should have access to appropriate educational resources and services, there is no requirement for schools to maximize each student's potential or provide the best possible education, as long as students receive some benefit from their education. The focus of this ruling was on ensuring that students with disabilities receive an appropriate education that is specially designed to meet their unique needs, thus laying the groundwork for future interpretations of educational rights for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).