Educational Policy and School Reform Flashcards

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the:

Answer: Least restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate for their needs

IDEA mandates placement in the least restrictive environment, meaning students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is legally required for:

Answer: Students identified with disabilities who qualify for special education services under IDEA

IDEA requires a written IEP for every student found eligible for special education, outlining present levels, measurable annual goals, services, and accommodations.

The concept of 'school accountability' in US education policy most directly means:

Answer: Holding schools responsible for student academic outcomes through public reporting, rewards, and sanctions

Accountability policies require schools to demonstrate student achievement results and face consequences—ranging from public reporting to reconstitution—when targets are not met.

Which landmark Supreme Court case established that racially segregated public schools are unconstitutional?

Answer: Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Brown v. Board of Education unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine of Plessy.

The Lau v. Nichols (1974) Supreme Court decision required schools to:

Answer: Take affirmative steps to address language barriers for English Language Learner students

Lau v. Nichols held that schools receiving federal funds must provide language assistance to English Language Learners; simply providing the same instruction as English speakers was not sufficient under the Civil Rights Act.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of state education standards?

Answer: To define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level across subjects

State academic standards specify the knowledge and skills students are expected to master at each grade level, providing the foundation for curriculum, instruction, and assessment alignment.