The Components of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Within a free appropriate public education there are several components that must be considered and incorporated when creating a students, with a disability, individual education program.
Free Education - allows the student to receive special education and related services with no cost to them. Parents and families will not be charged by the school district for any services. Also, the school district will not deny the student any services because of expense.
State Standards - are in place because it is the states responsibility to provide all citizen, including individuals with disabilities, with an education not the federal government. This requires that an appropriate education meet the standards of the educational state agency. States must submit a special education plan that guarantees qualified students with disabilities the right to FAPE, under IDEA. |
Appropriate Education - is the most disputed area of special education. The issue is, what does an appropriate education look like and consist of for students with disabilities? To make sure each student is coved by IDEA receives an individualized FAPE. An IEP is developed for all students in special education. The IEP incorporates and defines the students special education services, ensuring that each student is provided with a FAPE.
Parent Participation - is required by state and federal special education laws. Parent participation is an essential part of developing a students' FAPE. With the use of procedural safe guards, put in place by congress, parent will be able to advocate for their child to ensures that children will receive a FAPE. |
Reference:
Yell, Mitchell L. (2012) The Law and Special Education: Third Addition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Yell, Mitchell L. (2012) The Law and Special Education: Third Addition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.