Ruling in Richardson ISD case alters standards for reimbursement when services unavailable to disabled students News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Latest News:
"A recent federal appeals court decision is the latest attempt by judges to define the level of public education that disabled students are entitled to receive.
The ruling, in a case involving a girl from Richardson, imposes new standards for parents in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi who seek reimbursement from school districts for some special education services not available from public schools."
The case focused on the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires public schools to offer "free and appropriate public education" for disabled children.
More than 450,000 students in Texas receive services under IDEA.
If a local public school cannot supply that education, the district is obligated to pay for some services considered necessary for a legally appropriate education.
But court cases in several federal districts have struggled to define exactly what that obligation means. The Richardson decision, handed down Aug. 21, is the latest.
"A recent federal appeals court decision is the latest attempt by judges to define the level of public education that disabled students are entitled to receive.
The ruling, in a case involving a girl from Richardson, imposes new standards for parents in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi who seek reimbursement from school districts for some special education services not available from public schools."
The case focused on the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires public schools to offer "free and appropriate public education" for disabled children.
More than 450,000 students in Texas receive services under IDEA.
If a local public school cannot supply that education, the district is obligated to pay for some services considered necessary for a legally appropriate education.
But court cases in several federal districts have struggled to define exactly what that obligation means. The Richardson decision, handed down Aug. 21, is the latest.