Which principle of IDEA mandates that all students must be educated?

The principle of Zero Reject under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) asserts that no child with a disability can be denied a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This principle ensures that schools must provide education to all students regardless of the nature or severity of their disabilities. Its fundamental concept is that every child, regardless of their needs, has the right to an education, effectively prohibiting any form of exclusion based on disability.

Zero Reject is crucial because it lays the foundation for inclusive education, compelling schools to accommodate and support students with disabilities and guaranteeing that every student is granted access to educational opportunities. This principle is integral in fostering an inclusive educational environment where all students can thrive and receive the necessary support to succeed in school.

The other principles serve important roles in the educational framework of students with disabilities but do not specifically mandate that all students must be educated. For instance, the emphasis on parent participation and shared decision-making focuses on involving families in the educational process, while nondiscriminatory evaluation pertains to assessment fairness. Least Restrictive Environment relates to providing education in settings that best meet students' needs, but it does not alone ensure that every student is given access to education.