Which law ensures exceptional learners receive appropriate instruction for their needs?

Public Law 94-142, also known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, is foundational in ensuring that exceptional learners receive the appropriate instructional support tailored to their unique needs. Enacted in 1975, this law mandates that public schools provide free and appropriate education (FAPE) to children with disabilities. This includes the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that are designed collaboratively by educators, parents, and specialists to meet the specific educational requirements of each exceptional learner.

The significance of this law lies in its commitment to inclusivity and the legal obligation it places on educational institutions to accommodate diverse learning needs. It ensures that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum and are educated alongside their peers whenever possible, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in education. Other choices such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) are later amendments or reauthorizations that expanded upon the principles of Public Law 94-142, but referring directly to Public Law 94-142 accurately captures the original legislative intent to support exceptional learners effectively.