CIPP/US Study Guide
Chapter 10: Education Privacy

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IDEA guarantees eligible students aged 3 to 21 a free appropriate public education through an IEP, and protects the privacy of special-education records alongside FERPA - including destroying no-longer-needed information on request. Records may also be covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA.

IDEA ensures eligible students aged 3 to 21 receive a FAPE and requires schools to provide special-education services tailored through each student's IEP. It gives parents or adult students the right to inspect records, request explanations, and ask that records be amended.

Layered protection

Special-education records are protected by IDEA as well as FERPA. Schools generally must inform parents or adult students when disability-related information is no longer needed, and must destroy that information on request - except information needed for permanent education records. Records may also be covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “IDEA”?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a federal law ensuring eligible students aged 3 to 21 receive a free appropriate public education.
What is “FAPE”?
Free appropriate public education, which IDEA ensures for eligible students with disabilities.
What is “IEP”?
Individualized education program, the tailored special-education plan IDEA requires for each eligible student.