The U.S. Supreme Court will consider a Colorado case that involves the quality of special education services an autistic student in Douglas County received.
The case could have implications for millions of students across the nation.
At issue is the level of "educational benefit" districts should provide to children with disabilities to meet federal law. The boy’s parents say the Douglas County school district didn’t do enough to help their son who developed severe behavior issues relating to his autism. They later enrolled him in a private school where he thrived.
The parents are challenging an appeals court ruling that stated the child received “some” educational benefit while in the district’s care and that was adequate.
The parents argued that there are conflicting circuit rulings on the issue and say "resolving the conflict will ensure that millions of children with disabilities receive a consistent level of education.”
A ruling isn’t expected until next year.
