A student who does not require special education services is not entitled to the protections under which act?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) specifically focuses on providing special education services to students with disabilities who meet certain eligibility criteria. This federal law mandates that eligible children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Students who do not require special education services, meaning they do not have a qualifying disability that affects their ability to learn in a conventional educational environment, are not afforded the protections and services under IDEA. In contrast, other acts like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act extend protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities, regardless of whether they require special education services. Thus, IDEA is the correct response as it directly pertains to the entitlement to special education services.