A ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in a Tennessee case is being heralded as a “watershed” moment for students with disabilities who are fighting for inclusion in their public schools. The court ruled that the school district violated a 15-year old boy’s right to a Free and Appropriate Education in the Least Restrictive Environment when he was forced to attend a separate
school.
The ruling also clarified that federal disability law does not require a child to master or keep up with the curriculum in a general education classroom in order for inclusion to be a viable option. Instead, the measure should be whether the child can make academic progress given the appropriate supports and services. READ THIS ARTICLE for tips on how to use the ruling at your next IEP meeting and READ THE FULL RULING HERE.