Delaware
How Board of Education v. Rowley applies in Delaware: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Administrative Law.
Delaware follows a similar framework as established in Rowley, emphasizing the requirement for providing a 'free appropriate public education' (FAPE) to students with disabilities. The state recognizes the need for schools to offer services that allow students to make educational progress, considering both eligibility and the nature of services provided.
In Delaware, schools must ensure that students with disabilities are provided with an education that meets their unique needs and allows for meaningful engagement in the educational environment, adhering to both state and federal standards.
In this case, the court held that the school district failed to provide adequate resources and support, violating the principles established in Rowley regarding FAPE.
The court ruled that the school must actively assess and implement specialized services necessary for a student’s educational success under Delaware's implementation of IDEA.
The court affirmed that parents have a right to challenge the adequacy of special education services provided by the school district, aligning with Rowley principles.
Delaware aligns closely with the federal standard set forth in Rowley, adhering to the requirement that schools provide FAPE. However, Delaware statutes further clarify the extent of services offered at the state level, allowing for more specific local adaptations in service delivery.
Understanding the principles established in Rowley is crucial for the Delaware bar exam, particularly in sections addressing special education law and administrative rule compliance.