What must schools ensure in order to comply with IDEA's zero reject principle?

The zero reject principle under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that schools must provide free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of their disabilities. This principle emphasizes that no child can be denied access to education due to their disability, which directly correlates with the need to provide special education services to all eligible students.

Ensuring compliance with this principle means that schools must proactively identify and evaluate students who may have disabilities and offer the necessary services and supports to help them succeed academically. This not only includes access to specialized instruction but also accommodations and modifications tailored to their individual needs. By doing so, schools uphold their responsibility to educate every child, in line with IDEA's commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity for all students.

The other options, such as providing advanced placement courses for all students or disregarding behavioral records, do not align with the fundamental requirement of ensuring access to appropriate educational services for students with disabilities. Similarly, lowering standards does not reflect the essence of the zero reject principle, which supports providing necessary supports rather than diminishing expectations.