Number: RL33444
Title: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Supreme Court Decisions
Authors: Nancy Lee Jones, American Law Division 
Abstract: a civil rights statute. It provides federal funding for the education of children with disabilities and requires, as a condition for the receipt of such funds, the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The statute also contains detailed due process provisions to ensure the provision of FAPE. Originally enacted in 1975, the act responded to increased awareness of the need to educate children with disabilities, and to judicial decisions requiring that states provide an education for children with disabilities if they provided an education for children without disabilities. Since its enactment, the Supreme Court has addressed several issues arising under the act, including the interpretation of FAPE, the interpretation of the "stay-put" provision in the due process requirements, and interpretations of related services. This report discusses the Supreme Court's decisions under IDEA.
Pages: 13
Date: April 16, 2008