What is Public Law 94-142?

• A. A federal law enacted in 1975 requiring provision of special-education services to eligible students.
• B. A regulation about teacher certification for special education.
• C. An international treaty on accessible education.
• D. A state statute establishing school funding for visually impaired students.

Answer: (A)

Public Law 94-142 is the federal law enacted in 1975 that guarantees students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. It requires schools to identify and evaluate students, determine eligibility for special education, and provide an individualized education program delivered in the least restrictive environment. It also establishes parental involvement, due process protections, and ongoing progress monitoring. This description matches the idea of a federal statute from 1975 mandating special-education services for eligible students. It’s not about teacher certification regulations, not an international treaty, and not a state funding statute.