Using the Wrightslaw website, research a special education court case that is no more than five years old. Summarize the individuals involved, the issue being disputed, how the court case relates to special education, and the ruling of the court. Reflect on the court case and describe how you would respond as a teacher in the situation.
Answer (2)
The case A.S. v. Connecticut Department of Education (2021) involved a dispute over whether a student with a specific learning disability received a free appropriate public education. The court ruled in favor of the student, requiring the school to revise the IEP to meet the student’s needs. As a teacher, I would ensure understanding of the IEP, maintain communication with parents, and collaborate with special education professionals to support the student adequately.
;
To address the student's request regarding a special education court case, we will review a case that fits their criteria. One significant case is 'Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District,' a landmark case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2017. Here’s a breakdown of the case:
1. Individuals Involved: The case involved Endrew F., a student with autism, and his parents, who filed the lawsuit against the Douglas County School District in Colorado.
2. Issue Disputed: The dispute centered around the appropriate level of educational benefit provided by a public school to a student with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Endrew's parents argued that his Individualized Education Program (IEP) did not offer sufficient educational benefits, leading them to enroll him in a private school where they claimed he made significant progress. They sought reimbursement for the private school tuition.
3. Relation to Special Education: The case revolved around the interpretation of the IDEA and the standard of a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) that schools must provide to students with disabilities. Specifically, it questioned what level of educational benefit fulfills this requirement.
4. Court Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Endrew F., stating that to meet its substantive obligation under the IDEA, a school must offer an IEP reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child's circumstances. This raised the standard from the previous requirement that an IEP needed only to provide "more than de minimis" benefit.
5. Reflection as a Teacher: As a teacher, I would respond to this situation by ensuring that I am deeply involved in the collaborative process of developing and continually assessing the IEPs for students with disabilities. It is vital to tailor educational plans to meet the individualized needs of each student, working closely with families, special education professionals, and administration. I would also stay informed on best practices and legal standards to ensure that my students receive the best possible education to help them progress and succeed.
