Which law provides definitions and parameters for the education of children with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the pivotal law that specifically provides definitions and parameters for the education of children with disabilities. It establishes the rights of children with disabilities to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. IDEA mandates that public schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each eligible child, detailing measurable annual goals and the specific services that will be provided. This law emphasizes the importance of educating students in the least restrictive environment (LRE), ensuring that students with disabilities have the opportunity to learn alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent possible.

The other options, while significant in the realm of education, do not focus specifically on the education of students with disabilities in the same way that IDEA does. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) broadly prohibits discrimination based on disability but does not specifically outline educational parameters. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) address aspects of educational reform, accountability, and standards for all students, but they do not serve as the primary legal framework for the education of children with disabilities as IDEA does.