What must schools do to support students with disabilities according to IDEA?

The correct answer highlights the obligation of schools to ensure educational access and provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are legally required to offer special education services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. This includes developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines specific educational goals, the types of services provided, and how those services will be delivered.

The provision of FAPE means that students with disabilities must have access to the general curriculum and be able to participate in extracurricular activities alongside their peers, thus promoting an inclusive educational environment. The goal is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to attain academic success, while also ensuring that their individual needs are met appropriately.

In contrast, other options do not capture the full scope of support mandated by IDEA. Minimal accommodations do not fulfill the requirement for a comprehensive educational plan, focusing solely on academic outcomes neglects the importance of holistic development and social skills, and limiting services to school hours fails to recognize the need for continuous support that extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Thus, ensuring educational access and providing FAPE are central tenets of IDEA, making it the correct choice.