How does the law protect the rights of students with special needs in the school setting?

In Texas, the law protects the rights of students with special needs in the school setting through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA is a federal law that guarantees all students with disabilities the right to receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible. This law requires all school districts to provide special education services and services related to speech, occupational and physical therapy if needed. It also includes protections against discrimination and requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to participate in school activities equally with their peers. Under IDEA, schools are required to identify students who need special education and create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for them. This plan is tailored to the student’s unique abilities and includes goals and objectives to help the student reach those goals. The IEP also outlines the special services and accommodations the student will receive, such as extra time on tests, modifications to the curriculum, and other resources. In addition, the law outlines procedures for resolving disputes between schools and the students or their family. There are several steps to follow including requesting a due-process hearing and using a mediation process. In the end, the law is designed to ensure that students with special needs are treated fairly and receive the best possible education.

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