What principle in IDEA ensures that no student can be denied FAE based on the severity of their disability?

The principle of zero reject is fundamental to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring that all students with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate education (FAE) regardless of the severity of their condition. This principle means that no child can be excluded from public education services due to their disability.

Zero reject embodies the idea of inclusivity and equal access to educational opportunities, promoting the belief that all students, no matter how severe their disability, should have the chance to benefit from educational programs. This principle obligates schools to educate all students, ensuring that resources and support are provided to meet diverse needs.

The other options, while related to educational rights for students with disabilities, serve different functions. For instance, free and appropriate education is a broader concept that includes the provision of special education and services tailored to the needs of the student but is underpinned by the zero reject principle. Nondiscriminatory evaluation ensures that students are assessed fairly, and individualized education plans (IEPs) are specific plans developed for each child; however, neither of these directly addresses the overarching entitlement that zero reject guarantees.