Under IDEA, which criterion is a valid basis for eligibility for special education services?

• A. The impairment has an adverse effect on educational performance.
• B. The student has a medical diagnosis only.
• C. The student is homeschooled.
• D. The student is not a citizen.

Answer: (A)

Under IDEA, eligibility for special education services centers on whether a student has a qualifying disability that adversely affects educational performance and requires specially designed instruction. The key idea is that a disability must produce learning or functional difficulties that justify providing specialized supports. A medical diagnosis by itself does not automatically qualify a student; there must be documented impact on learning and a need for specialized instruction. Factors like homeschooling status or citizenship do not determine eligibility. In short, the important link is that the impairment must negatively affect educational performance in a way that necessitates specialized services.