Which of the following best describes the purpose of IDEA?

The purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to promote inclusion and support for students with disabilities. IDEA ensures that all eligible children with disabilities have the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. It emphasizes that students with disabilities should be educated in the least restrictive environment, meaning they should be integrated into general education settings whenever appropriate. This act provides a framework for developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which specify educational goals and the support required to meet them, enabling students with disabilities to thrive academically alongside their peers.

In contrast to this, limiting educational access or prioritizing special needs over general education does not align with the fundamental goals of IDEA, as it aims to foster opportunities for all students. Additionally, while IDEA does address the necessity of fair testing practices, its primary focus is not solely on eliminating discrepancies but on ensuring equitable educational access and support for students with disabilities.