Cedar Rapids Case

(Sorry this is late! For some reason I was thinking it was due today, not yesterday...)

I can see the case from both sides, but I have to side with the parents as well. The first core principle of IDEA states that all students with disabilities, regardless of type or severity, are entitled to a free appropriate public education. The education they receive is provided at no cost to the parents. Another core principle of IDEA is zero reject. This means that no student can be excluded from receiving a public education because of a disability. In Garrett’s case, receiving these services was the only way he could receive an education. If the school district failed to provide the necessary services, Garrett would have been denied a public education, which goes against the laws set by IDEA. I don’t think the school district would have questioned the parents if the services Garrett required were much less costly. However, the school district cannot deny Garrett the services he needs because of money. Garrett’s parents paid for the services while they could, but when the money ran out the school needed to take on that burden. Otherwise, Garrett could not receive an education.  

Rachel Ball