Board of Education v. Rowley

A case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States in 1982. In Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District Board of Education, Westchester County, v. Amy Rowley, parents Clifford and Nancy Rowley sued the district on behalf of their child, Amy, to require a sign language interpreter in the classroom.

In kindergarten and in first grade, Amy’s individualized education plan was prepared by the school district providing only a hearing aid and promoting lip reading. Her parents argued that without a sign language interpreter, Amy would only be able to understand 60 percent of classroom instruction.

The 6-3 decision led by Judge William Rehnquist defined free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Handicapped Children Act of 1975, abbreviated as HCA. Rowley provided that children be educated in the most inclusive environment. The court specifically noted four areas that special education:

A) have been provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge, (B) meet the standards of the State educational agency, (C) include an appropriate preschool, elementary, or secondary school education in the State involved, and (D) are provided in conformity with the individualized education program required under section 1414(a)(5) of this title.

Because neither Rowley nor the Handicapped Children Act defined the standard of special education, the Federal District Courts and school districts were free to interpret the level of special education. The Rowley decision can be found at FindLaw Case Law Resources.

Also see Endrew F. v. Douglas County Schools and FAPE.

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