What education law was enacted to support exceptional learners in appropriate environments?

The law that was enacted to support exceptional learners in appropriate environments is Public Law 94-142, also known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. This landmark legislation, passed in 1975, mandated that public schools provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities. It emphasized the need for individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to the specific needs of each exceptional learner, ensuring that they receive the support necessary for their educational success. Additionally, this law required that students with disabilities be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, promoting inclusion within the educational system. The significance of Public Law 94-142 paved the way for subsequent legislation, such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which built upon its foundation and further enhanced the rights of students with disabilities in educational settings.