What was determined in the Timothy W vs. Rochester School District case?

The determination made in the Timothy W vs. Rochester School District case was that all children with disabilities must receive an education regardless of their functional level. This landmark ruling reasserted the principle of free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), affirming that schools have an obligation to provide educational opportunities to students with disabilities, including those who might be functionally low or face significant challenges.

This decision emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the educational system, underscoring that a child's disability should not limit their right to receive an education. The ruling supported the idea that educational services must be tailored to meet the individual needs of students rather than basing access to education on their perceived capabilities. Thus, the case reinforced the notion that education is a right for all children, regardless of their disabilities or functional performance levels.