Why is There So Much Conflict and Confusion in Special Education Law?

Parents love their children and want the best education possible for them.  What is best for your child, however, may not be what is best for the public school district, nor what is required under the law.  This difference in expectation between parents and the school districts regarding what is a free and appropriate public education for their children often creates conflict and confusion.

Another reason why there is so much conflict and confusion in the world of special education is because the laws that govern special education have many gray areas and are always evolving.  For example, certain legal terms, such as “free and appropriate public education” and “reasonable accommodations” are extremely difficult to define, which can sometimes make special education statutes appear to be vague and confusing.  It is important to note that special education laws are at times intentionally vague so that the unique educational needs of a child may be determined on a case-by-case basis.  There is no magic formula or one-size-fits all solution to define and determine the appropriate educational needs of a child.