Legal and Ethical Requirements for Texas Educators Flashcards

Which group of professionals is REQUIRED to be part of an IEP team in Texas under IDEA?

Answer: The student's parents, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher, and a LEA representative

IDEA mandates that an IEP team include the parents, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher, and a Local Education Agency representative qualified to commit district resources.

A student with a physical disability does not qualify for special education services under IDEA but needs accommodations. The most appropriate legal framework for providing support is:

Answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 provides accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity, even when the student doesn't qualify for IDEA special education services.

The concept of 'Least Restrictive Environment' (LRE) under IDEA requires Texas schools to:

Answer: Place students with disabilities in general education settings to the maximum extent appropriate

LRE requires that students with disabilities be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, with supplementary aids and services provided to support inclusion.

Under Texas law, the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee is convened to:

Answer: Make decisions about special education eligibility, placement, and IEP development

In Texas, the ARD committee is the equivalent of the IEP team and is responsible for determining special education eligibility, developing the IEP, and deciding on appropriate educational placement.

A parent disagrees with the IEP recommendations made at an ARD meeting. Under IDEA, the parent's most immediate option is to:

Answer: Request a due process hearing or attempt mediation to resolve the disagreement

IDEA provides parents with procedural safeguards including the right to request mediation or a due process hearing when they disagree with special education decisions.

Prior Written Notice (PWN) under IDEA must be provided to parents when a school proposes or refuses to:

Answer: Initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a student with a disability

PWN is a required written document that must be given to parents whenever the school proposes or refuses to take action related to a student's special education identification, evaluation, or placement.

A Texas school district denies special education services to an eligible student with a disability because funding is limited. This action violates which federal law?

Answer: IDEA's guarantee of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

IDEA guarantees FAPE to all eligible students with disabilities regardless of cost or funding constraints; a district cannot deny services due to budget limitations.