What was established in the case Department of Education v. Katherine D. (1984)?

The case of Department of Education v. Katherine D. (1984) addressed the issue of providing appropriate educational opportunities for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE). In this case, the court determined that homebound instruction did not meet LRE standards, as it placed significant restrictions on a student’s ability to interact with peers and access the general education curriculum.

By concluding that homebound instruction failed to comply with LRE standards, the court emphasized the importance of inclusive educational settings where students with disabilities can benefit from social interaction, varied instructional methods, and exposure to their peers. The decision highlighted the necessity for educational placements that allow students with disabilities to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers whenever possible, aligning with the principles established in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This case set a precedent for examining the appropriateness and effectiveness of educational placements for students with disabilities regarding compliance with LRE requirements.