What educational requirement is established for students receiving special education services based on the Rowley case?

The Rowley case, formally known as Board of Education v. Rowley, established that students receiving special education services are entitled to a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE). This means that the educational program provided must be adequate to meet the individual needs of the student while allowing them to benefit from the education offered.

The concept of an adequate education emphasizes both the quality and accessibility of educational services provided to students with disabilities, ensuring that they have opportunities to learn and progress appropriately within their educational setting. It clarified that it is not sufficient for schools to provide just any education; rather, the education must be tailored to support the student's unique needs resulting from their disability.

This case is foundational in special education law and underpins the importance of ensuring that students with disabilities are not only included in the educational system but are provided with meaningful opportunities to achieve success. Factors like having an IEP or specialized classroom settings are important components of delivering that adequate education, but the primary requirement established by the Rowley case centers on the provision of an adequate education itself.