1. Right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): The court ruled that all children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. This established the principle of FAPE as a legal right for students with disabilities.
2. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): The court decision emphasized the importance of developing individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student with a disability. IEPs specify the student's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, annual goals, and the specific educational services and supports required to meet those goals.
3. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Mills v. Board of Education DC highlighted the importance of educating students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means that students should be placed in general education classrooms with typically developing peers to the maximum extent appropriate, with supplementary aids and services as needed to support their participation and success.
4. Procedural Safeguards: The court established several procedural safeguards to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their families. These safeguards include the right to due process, prior written notice, parental consent, and independent evaluations in certain circumstances.
5. Expanded Definition of Disability: The ruling broadened the definition of disability to include not only physical and mental impairments but also specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. This expanded the range of students eligible for special education services.
The Mills case was instrumental in shaping the legal framework for special education in the United States. Its principles and requirements have been incorporated into federal and state laws, including the subsequent reauthorizations of IDEA, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the educational support they need to succeed in school and beyond.