What is the consequence a school may face if it fails to provide special education services as mandated by law?

The answer indicating that a school may face legal action from parents or guardians is accurate because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that eligible students with disabilities must receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). If a school fails to comply with this requirement, parents or guardians have the right to seek legal recourse. They can file complaints or lawsuits against the school district for not providing the necessary services outlined in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). This legal mechanism is in place to ensure that students with disabilities receive the supports and resources they are entitled to under federal law.

In contrast to this, the idea that there are no consequences for failing to provide special education services overlooks the serious obligations that schools have under IDEA. The assertion that students may voluntarily leave the program misunderstands the nature of special education services, which are designed to support students' needs rather than allowing them to opt out at will. Lastly, while losing state funding can be a potential outcome under certain circumstances, it is not the immediate consequence for failing to provide mandated special education services; legal action from parents or guardians is the more direct response to violations of IDEA.