The Atlantic

How a New Supreme Court Ruling Could Affect Special Education

Advocates for students with disabilities argue the decision could help millions of children.
Source: Lynne Sladky / AP

In a stunning 8-0 decision in the case Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a higher standard of education for children with disabilities. Advocates and parents say the case dramatically expands the rights of special-education students in the United States, creates a nationwide standard for special education, and empowers parents as they advocate for their children in schools. But critics say the decision will not have any impact on schools, arguing that the vast majority already provide a good education for those kids.

As I in January, the parents of Endrew F. removed him from his local public school, where he

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