Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District (Colorado)

Four days ago, oral arguments were heard by the United States Supreme Court in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. This case is significant because the Supreme Court justices will decide what level of educational benefit schools must provide to K-12 students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The plaintiff Endrew F. (also known as Drew) is a boy with autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. After having problems in public school through the fourth grade, Drew went to a private school that helped him improve academically and behaviorally; however, he didn't meet most of his educational goals. Drew's parents want to be reimbursed for the private school tuition, but lower federal courts ruled the Douglas County School District in Colorado met the minimum IDEA requirements in providing education and services. For more details about this case, go to http://www.bazelon.org/In-Court/Current-Litigation/Endrew-F.-v.-Douglas-County-School-District.aspx.

 

The Supreme Court Building