Ensuring a Free and Appropriate Public Education for Students with Disabilities and Endrew F. v. Douglas County

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This episode of the LEGAL ONE Podcast includes a review of the test for determining whether a school district has offered a student with disabilities a free, appropriate public education, or FAPE, in light of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District 137 S. Ct. 988. In this case, Endrew’s parents sought reimbursement for private school tuition payments based on their unilateral placement of the student.  The Supreme Court ultimately held that to meet its substantive obligation under the IDEA, a school must offer an IEP reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances. The court went on to state that School authorities are expected to offer a cogent and responsive explanation for their decisions that shows the IEP is “appropriately ambitious” and reasonably calculated to enable the child to make sufficient progress. Finally, the podcast includes a discussion about how schools and parents can effectively work together to ensure a free appropriate public education is provided.