What act governs special education programs and emphasizes the inclusion of students with special needs in general education?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the legislation that specifically governs special education programs in the United States. It emphasizes the principle of inclusion, ensuring that students with disabilities have the right to receive an education alongside their typical peers in general education settings whenever appropriate. This act mandates that schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student with a disability, outlining personalized goals and support services to facilitate their learning.

IDEA aims to provide access to education for all students, ensuring that those with special needs are not segregated but integrated into the general education environment. The focus on inclusion supports the idea that students with disabilities can benefit from learning alongside their peers, fostering a more comprehensive educational experience for all students.

Other options like the No Child Left Behind Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act primarily focus on improving educational outcomes for all students and accountability, but they do not specifically govern special education programs or emphasize the inclusion of students with special needs as strongly as IDEA does. The Affordable Care Act is primarily focused on healthcare access and insurance coverage, and is unrelated to education policy.