IDEA authorizes public service to be provided in a private setting when appropriate.
The 1997 IDEA Amendments were adopted to simplify the law by making it clear that school districts could provide public services at parochial and other private schools. The purpose of the amendments was to clarify the law. However, matters quickly became more complex. That case concerned Colleen Russman, an adolescent with mental retardation, who was enrolled at St. Brigid's, a parochial school, by her parents. However, her parents sought to obtain the assistance of a consultant teacher and a teaching aide, as well as occupational and speech therapy for her.