Maryland
How Board of Education v. Rowley applies in Maryland: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Administrative Law.
Maryland follows the principles established in Board of Education v. Rowley, stressing that local school systems must provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. The state recognizes the importance of ensuring students receive individualized education plans tailored to their specific needs.
In Maryland, the rule derived from Rowley holds that school districts are required to implement IEPs that are reasonably calculated to provide educational benefit, based on the unique requirements of the student.
The court ruled that the school district must provide services that enable the student to make meaningful progress in the educational curriculum.
The court found that an IEP must be individualized and provide an opportunity for the student to achieve educational success, in alignment with Rowley's standards.
The court affirmed that the failure to implement necessary supports outlined in an IEP constituted a denial of FAPE under both federal and Maryland law.
Maryland's approach aligns closely with the federal standard established in Rowley, emphasizing the necessity for IEPs to provide educational benefits. However, Maryland may extend certain protections and services beyond the federal baseline to further support students with disabilities.
Knowledge of the application of Rowley in Maryland is essential for the bar exam, particularly in the Administrative Law section dealing with education law and disability rights.