Washington
How Board of Education v. Rowley applies in Washington: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Administrative Law.
Washington follows the principles established in Rowley by emphasizing the requirement for schools to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. However, Washington law further elaborates on the definition of FAPE and tailors it to meet additional state-specific requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs).
In Washington, the basic rule derived from Rowley emphasizes that an IEP must provide educational benefits that are reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child's circumstances.
The court ruled that the state must ensure adequate funding for special education services to comply with FAPE requirements.
The court confirmed that schools are required to provide educational services that enable a child with disabilities to access the general curriculum effectively.
The case established that procedural safeguards in the IEP process are essential to ensure compliance with both federal and state laws concerning special education.
While Washington law aligns with federal standards established by Rowley regarding the provision of FAPE, it goes further by implementing more specific procedural and substantive requirements for IEPs. This includes greater emphasis on tailored interventions and accountability measures for local school districts.
Understanding Rowley's application in Washington is crucial for the bar exam, as it frequently tests knowledge of state-specific education law regarding FAPE and special education processes.