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IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

The federal law that guarantees eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, with an IEP. Part C covers infants and toddlers; Part B covers ages 3 to 21.

Stands for
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Used in
United States
Topic
SEND and special education

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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IEP (UK) (Individual education plan) All four UK nations (details may differ)
A school-based plan setting short-term targets and support for a pupil with SEN. No longer required by law in England but still used by many schools; in the US an IEP is a legal document.
FAPE (Free appropriate public education) United States
The right under IDEA and Section 504 for eligible students with disabilities to receive special education and related services at public expense that meet their needs.
LRE (Least restrictive environment) United States
The IDEA requirement that students with disabilities be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
Section 504 United States
The part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits disability discrimination in programmes that receive federal funding, including public schools.

More terms: SEND and special education

Dyslexia · Dyspraxia · Evaluation (special education) · IEP · IEP team · Inclusion

More terms starting with I · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.