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SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCATE
Helping Students Reach Their Potential, Pre-K through College
Massachusetts Chapter 766 (Mass general law Ch 71B)
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If a district is unable to meet the educational needs of a student in their district, then they must pay for a child to attend a school that can. This guarantees the child's right to FAPE (free and appropriate public education).
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Chapter 766 is the Massachusetts law that guarantees the rights of all young people with special needs (age 3-22) to an educational program best suited to their needs. Team evaluations and Annual Reviews are conducted to develop an ongoing individual education plan that ensures an appropriate education.
If an out-of-district (OOD) placement is agreed to for a child between the parent and school district, then why does the school district want the parent to choose among a Chapter 766 school? A district receives partial reimbursement for Chapter 766 private schools. See below for further explanation.