Which of the following is a key principle of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

The key principle of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is that students with disabilities must be provided with a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This principle emphasizes that all eligible students with disabilities are entitled to an education that is tailored to their individual needs and delivered at no cost to their families.

Under IDEA, the education provided must be designed to meet the unique needs of each student and to ensure that they have the opportunity to participate fully in their educational experience, which includes special education and related services as necessary. This supports the overarching goal of promoting educational equity and access for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the same quality of education available to their peers without disabilities.

The other options mention concepts that either misinterpret or misrepresent the intentions of IDEA, such as suggesting that all students should receive equal education without addressing individual needs or that only students with severe learning challenges are entitled to support, which does not reflect the comprehensive range of disabilities that IDEA covers. Additionally, involvement of parents is a critical part of the IDEA framework, promoting collaboration between families and schools.