What is a FAPE?

The education world uses so many acronyms (see Alphabet Soup), but one of the most important acronyms is Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Under the federal law, all students ha

ve a right to a FAPE. As we get ready to start a new school year, make sure you understand this right. Let’s break down what FAPE actually means:

Free: School Districts must provide the supports students need without cost to the family. If they are unable to provide certain supports, the District must pay for another school or an outside provider to provide the service. For example, if the school does not have physical therapist on staff, but a student requires physical therapy, the District will pay an outside provider to provide those services. A child cannot be denied necessary supports due to the District’s lack of funds.

Appropriate: An appropriate education can look very different based on the child. Students with special education needs require specially designed instruction that has been determined based on their individual needs. This criterion ensures that students are treated individually, and their specific educational needs are being met by their IEPs. What is appropriate for one student may not be appropriate for another student, but each IEP team makes an individual decision regarding each child.

Public: All students must be given a public school option based upon their residency. Students cannot be denied access to all public education facilities. Even if a student is expelled from a public school, there must be another option for the student to attend.

Education: In Pennsylvania, all students have a right to education from ages 6 to 18. The law requires students to show meaningful progress which means that the supports put in place should allow the students to not only access their education but also to grow and learn. For students with special education needs, they have a right to access an education until the date of their 22^nd birthday.

The law does not require a school district to give the absolute best supports to a student, but it does require school districts to provide the necessary supports each child needs.

If you are concerned your student is not receiving a FAPE or need any assistance with any educational issue, contact Extraordinary Law for a consultation today!

412-438-3186 or info@extraordinarylaw.com