Under IDEA, how is a "child with a disability" defined?

• A. A child who struggles academically due to socioeconomic factors.
• B. A child who has been evaluated and identified with one or more IDEA disabilities, which causes lack of progress in the general education curriculum and requires special education and related services.
• C. A child who performs well academically but has behavioral issues.
• D. A child who requires only minor classroom accommodations without the need for an individualized education program (IEP).

Answer: (B)

The definition of a "child with a disability" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is grounded in specific criteria that focus on the need for special education and related services due to identified disabilities. A child meeting this definition must have undergone evaluation to determine eligibility and be identified with one or more disabilities as defined by IDEA. These disabilities must significantly hinder the child’s ability to make adequate progress in the general education curriculum, necessitating the provision of specialized instructional strategies and services or accommodations that are formalized in an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This distinction is crucial because it emphasizes the requirement for a formal identification process and the resultant need for targeted educational support. By delineating the importance of both the evaluation and the resultant impact on academic progress, this definition aligns closely with IDEA's intention to provide appropriate educational opportunities tailored to the unique needs of each child with a disability.

In contrast, the other options do not meet the specified criteria set forth by IDEA. For example, simply struggling due to socioeconomic factors does not qualify a child under IDEA, nor does having behavioral issues without impacting educational performance. Furthermore, a child needing only minor accommodations generally would not qualify for an IEP, which is designed for those requiring more extensive support.