What does FAPE stand for in special education law?

FAPE stands for Free and Appropriate Public Education, a key provision in special education law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This ensures that students with disabilities are provided with education that is tailored to their individual needs at no cost to their families. The term "free" indicates that there should be no charge for special education services and that such education is provided at public expense. "Appropriate" refers to the education being tailored to the child's unique needs, meaning that schools must offer programs designed to enable students to make progress in the general curriculum, alongside their peers. This commitment to accessibility and suitability of educational services is fundamental in upholding the rights of students with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities for education as their non-disabled peers.

The other options reflect terms or concepts that do not align with the legal definition provided by IDEA and do not accurately capture the essence of the guarantees made under special education law.