Special education law is comprised of federal and state statutes, regulations, and case law.
Statutes
The most important statute is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Other relevant federal statutes include Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In Massachusetts, Chapter 71B of the General Laws governs.
Regulations
Federal and state educational agencies publish their interpretations of the statutes in regulations.
Case Law
Case law is created when state and federal judges interpret statutes and apply them to individual controversies creating precedent.
If you have questions about special education in Massachusetts, contact the Boston area lawyers at Wong & Boscarine.