How many key principles of IDEA are there?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is built on six key principles that guide the education of students with disabilities. These principles are critical in ensuring that these students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.

The six principles include:

1. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) - Ensures that all students with disabilities have access to education at no cost.

2. Appropriate Evaluation - Requires schools to conduct thorough evaluations to determine if a student qualifies for special education services.

3. Individualized Education Program (IEP) - Mandates the creation of a personalized plan to meet the unique needs of each student with a disability.

4. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - Ensures that students with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

5. Parent and Student Participation in Decision Making - Involves parents and students in the decision-making process regarding the student's education.

6. Procedural Safeguards - Provides protections to ensure that students and their families have a voice in the educational process.

Understanding these principles is essential for educators and administrators to effectively support students with disabilities and ensure compliance with the law. Recogn