Which law mandates that all students have access to a free and appropriate public education?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that mandates all students, particularly those with disabilities, have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This legislation ensures that students with disabilities receive the necessary services and support to access the general education curriculum alongside their peers.

IDEA was enacted to protect the rights of children with disabilities and to provide them with an equal opportunity to participate in public education, which includes specialized instruction and services tailored to meet their individual needs. The law requires that schools develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each child with a disability, outlining the specific educational goals and support needed.

While the other options address various aspects of education, such as standardized testing and privacy rights, they do not specifically focus on guaranteeing access to education for students with disabilities like IDEA does. This core principle of ensuring that students with disabilities receive the education and services they need to thrive in school reflects the commitment to equity and inclusion in the educational system.