According to IDEA, what is one of the requirements for schools regarding student eligibility?

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), one of the primary requirements for schools is to find and identify eligible students who may have disabilities and require special education services. This obligation reflects the Act's commitment to ensuring that all students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Schools must actively seek out students who may need special education support, which includes evaluating them to determine their eligibility for such services.

Finding and identifying eligible students is essential because it ensures that those who have disabilities are not overlooked and receive the support they need to succeed academically. This process involves not only screening and evaluation but also requires schools to engage with families and the community to raise awareness about the indicators of disabilities. Through this proactive approach, schools can fulfill their legal responsibilities and provide appropriate resources and interventions to help these students thrive.

In contrast, other options such as developing a training program for staff, conducting classes on disability awareness, or limiting evaluations to once a year do not capture this core requirement of identification and eligibility determination set forth by IDEA. While staff training and disability awareness are important for a supportive educational environment, they are not explicitly mandated components of student eligibility under IDEA. Similarly, limiting evaluations could impede the identification process, which should be flexible and based