Opinion ID: 76390
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: IDEA Governing Standards

Text: 7 The IDEA guarantees disabled students a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Sch. Bd. of Collier County v. K.C., 285 F.3d 977, 979 (11th Cir.2002). A FAPE is defined as special education services that: 8 (A) have been provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge; 9 (B) meet the standards of the State educational agency; (C) include an appropriate preschool, elementary, or secondary school education in the State involved; and 10 (D) are provided in conformity with the individualized education program required under section 1414(d).... 11 20 U.S.C. § 1401(8). Although the IDEA reflects a structural preference in favor of providing special education in public schools, it recognizes that certain public schools are unable or unwilling to provide appropriate special education services. The IDEA, therefore, provides that the cost of the private school may be reimbursed if the public school did not make a FAPE available to the child in a timely manner. 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10)(C)(ii). 12 To provide a FAPE, a school formulates an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) during a meeting between the student's parents and school officials. See 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(1)(A)-(B); N.L. v. Knox County Sch., 315 F.3d 688, 689 (6th Cir.2003). An IEP must be amended if its objectives are not met, 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(4) (revise it at least annually if deficient); Kings Local Sch. Dist., Bd. of Educ. v. Zelazny, 325 F.3d 724, 731 (6th Cir.2003), but perfection is not required. CJN v. Minneapolis Pub. Sch., 323 F.3d 630, 638-39 (8th Cir.2003); K.C., 285 F.3d at 982. 13 Courts thus ask whether: (1) the school complied with the IDEA's procedures; and (2) the IEP developed through those procedures is reasonably calculated to enable the student to receive educational benefits. 1 Ms. S. v. Vashon Island Sch. Dist., 337 F.3d 1115, 1129 (9th Cir.2003) (citing Board of Educ. v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176, 206-207, 102 S.Ct. 3034, 73 L.Ed.2d 690 (1982)). A yes answer to both questions ends judicial review. White v. Ascension Parish Sch. Bd., 343 F.3d 373, 378 (5th Cir.2003) (citing Rowley, 458 U.S. at 206-207, 102 S.Ct. 3034). 14 A no answer means no FAPE was provided (due to, for example, a deficient IEP), thus enabling the student to resort to private school and seek reimbursement from the school district under 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10)(C)(ii). Rafferty v. Cranston Pub. Sch. Comm., 315 F.3d 21, 26 (1st Cir.2002); see also id. (court also must find the private school placement proper). 15 Even where a FAPE is not provided, courts can nevertheless deny reimbursement if a parent's own actions frustrated the school's efforts. 2 See MM v. Sch. Dist. of Greenville County, 303 F.3d 523, 533-35 (4th Cir.2002) (school district not IDEA liable for its failure to timely complete IEP where parents ceased to cooperate in IEP's completion, preferring to place child in private school); Doe v. Defendant I, 898 F.2d 1186, 1189 n. 1 (6th Cir.1990) (parent could not complain that school district failed to complete a timely IEP when IEP's non-completion was attributable to parent's request that school allow student to perform on his own for a while); see also Doe v. Ala. Dept. of Educ., 915 F.2d 651, 663-64 (11th Cir.1990). 16 Courts also can deny or reduce reimbursement if parents otherwise act unreasonably, see 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10)(C)(iii)(III); 34 C.F.R. § 300.403(d)(3) (Upon a judicial finding of unreasonableness with respect to actions taken by the parents), or if parents fail to give the school proper notice that they reject the school's IEP and/or are removing their child from the school, 3 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10)(C)(iii)(I); 34 C.F.R. § 300.403(d)(1); see also M.C. v. Voluntown Bd. of Educ., 226 F.3d 60, 68 (2d Cir.2000). 17 As the losing part[y] before the district court, [Loren] ... bear[s] the burden of demonstrating that the [APS] did not comply with the IDEA. M.L. v. Fed. Way Sch. Dist., 341 F.3d 1052, 1064 (9th Cir.2003); see also Devine v. Indian River County Sch. Bd., 249 F.3d 1289, 1292 (11th Cir.2001).