What does the acronym FAPE stand for in the context of special education?

The acronym FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. This term is fundamental in the context of special education as it emphasizes the legal obligation of public schools to provide education to students with disabilities at no cost to the parents. This education must be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive academically, regardless of their disabilities. The "free" aspect signifies that families should not incur out-of-pocket expenses for educational services and "appropriate" indicates that the education provided must be suitable and relevant to the individual student's requirements, as mandated by laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).