What was the significance of the BOE Hendrick Hudson vs. Rowley decision in 1982?

The BOE Hendrick Hudson vs. Rowley decision in 1982 is significant because it established a legal standard for defining what constitutes an appropriate education for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Supreme Court ruled that schools are obligated to provide access to special education services that enable students with disabilities to benefit from their education.

This ruling set a precedent by emphasizing that the education provided must be "appropriate," which means it should meet the individual needs of the student, taking into consideration their unique abilities and requirements. It clarified that while educational benefits are necessary, they don't have to be the maximum possible; instead, they should provide meaningful access to an educational program. This decision highlighted the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs) in ensuring that students with disabilities receive educational services tailored to their needs, thereby shaping future interpretations and implementations of special education law and policy.

By defining the standard for appropriate education, the Rowley case has had a lasting impact on how schools develop and provide educational programs for students with disabilities.