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

Which act ensures that children with disabilities have access to education?

1. Rehabilitation Act of 1973

2. Elementary and Secondary Education Act

3. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

4. Higher Education Act

The correct answer is: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is pivotal in ensuring that children with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. This federal law mandates that public schools develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible students, tailoring educational approaches to meet their unique needs. IDEA emphasizes early intervention, inclusive education, and the least restrictive environment, ensuring that students with disabilities receive services that help them succeed alongside their peers. This act also emphasizes parental involvement in the decision-making process regarding their child's education and ensures protection against discrimination and exclusion. By establishing these supportive measures, IDEA fundamentally reshapes how educational systems accommodate and provide for children with disabilities, affirming their right to equitable access to education.