Legal Frameworks & Educational Law Flashcards

When a parent and school disagree about a student's IEP, which dispute resolution option is generally considered the least adversarial first step?

Answer: Requesting mediation or filing a state complaint

Mediation and state complaints are typically faster, lower-cost, and less confrontational options than due process hearings, making them recommended first steps in most disputes.

A 'manifestation determination' review is required under IDEA when:

Answer: A student with a disability faces removal from their current placement for more than 10 consecutive school days

Before disciplining a student with a disability with a long-term removal, the IEP team must determine whether the behavior was caused by or directly related to the student's disability.

Under IDEA, the typical maximum age through which states must provide special education services is:

Answer: 21 years old, or until a regular high school diploma is received

IDEA requires states to serve individuals with disabilities through age 21 (or until they receive a standard diploma), after which responsibility for supports transitions to adult service systems.

At the postsecondary level, which laws replace IDEA in requiring colleges to support students with disabilities?

Answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

IDEA ends at high school graduation or age 21; in college, Section 504 and the ADA protect students by requiring reasonable accommodations, though students must self-identify and provide documentation.

An educational consultant advising a student who has school-based extended-time accommodations should explain that for the SAT or ACT, the student must:

Answer: Submit a separate request with disability documentation directly to the testing organization

School-based IEP or 504 accommodations do not automatically apply to College Board, ACT, or AP exams; each testing body requires its own application and supporting documentation.

FERPA's 'directory information' provision allows schools to:

Answer: Disclose certain designated non-sensitive data unless a parent or eligible student has opted out

Schools may designate information such as a student's name, dates of attendance, and degree awarded as 'directory information' and release it without consent, provided parents or eligible students were given the opportunity to opt out.

Under IDEA's transition planning requirements, an IEP must include transition goals and coordinated activities beginning at age:

Answer: 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team

IDEA requires that transition planning and measurable postsecondary goals be included in the IEP no later than age 16, addressing education, employment, and independent living as appropriate.