The Multiple Legal Meanings of "Home Instruction" for Students with Disabilities: Legal Distinctions and Practical Considerations

The confusing variations of terminology that connect "home" with instruction warrant special care in relation to students with disabilities. The underlying core of these varying terms amounts to three distinct placement options in relation to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), here identified as homebound instruction, instruction in the home, and homeschooling. Homebound instruction and homeschooling are initially a matter of state law, whereas instruction in the home is entirely a matter of the IDEA. This article summarizes the state and case laws and presents three successive parts for disentangling these variations: (1) an illustrative case scenario; (2) an explanation of each of the three distinct placement options; and (3) practice recommendations for professional for special education leaders.