Which of the following is NOT a requirement under IDEA?

The correct choice is based on the core tenets of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law is designed to ensure that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.

Under IDEA, schools are mandated to provide special education services, identify and evaluate eligible students for those services, and develop an individualized education program (IEP) for each eligible child. These components are fundamental to ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the educational support they require.

However, charging fees for evaluation services contradicts IDEA’s principles. The act clearly stipulates that evaluations and assessments for special education eligibility should be provided at no cost to families, emphasizing the right to free and appropriate education. Thus, the notion of charging fees is not mentioned or endorsed in IDEA, making it the option that is not a requirement under this law. This aspect is crucial for promoting equitable access to education for all students with disabilities.