What are the federal laws that affect schools?

Federal laws have a major effect on schools across the United States, including those in Tennessee. Some of the most important federal laws that affect schools include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Title IX. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education that meets their individual needs. Schools in Tennessee are required to create individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities in order to provide the accommodations, modifications, and supports necessary for them to be successful in school. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a law that grants students certain rights over their educational records. This law mandates that schools must obtain written permission from the student or their parent or guardian before disclosing or sharing educational records. Title IX is a law that prohibits discrimination based on gender in any educational program or activity that receives federal funding. This law has been instrumental in increasing opportunities for female students in athletics and other extracurricular activities, as well as in ensuring access to educational resources such as textbooks and course materials regardless of gender. Finally, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is a law that requires states to administer standardized tests to students in certain grades in order to measure academic achievement. The results of these tests are then used to assess the performance of individual schools and school districts. This law also provides additional resources to schools in order to help close the achievement gap between low-income and minority students and their peers. Overall, these federal laws are essential for ensuring that students in Tennessee and across the country are granted a safe and equitable education that fosters their academic success and development.

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