ESY
Extended School Year
ESY services are special education and related services provided to an eligible student with a disability beyond the normal school year, at no cost to the parent, when the IEP team determines ESY is necessary to provide FAPE (34 CFR §300.106). Eligibility is individually determined. Most states apply a "regression-recoupment" analysis, though federal courts have rejected bright-line rules (Johnson v. Independent School District No. 4, 921 F.2d 1022 (10th Cir. 1990)).
Regulatory Citation
Example in Practice
A student with autism demonstrates substantial regression in communication skills over the prior winter break that required 6 weeks of instruction to recoup. The IEP team determines ESY services across summer to prevent regression that would impede progress toward annual goals.
Key Research Citations
- ·Etscheidt (2002, J Disability Policy Studies 13(1):38-46) — ESY eligibility criteria analysis
Full bibliography available on the Research page.
This glossary entry is educational. It is not legal or clinical advice. Consult a qualified attorney or licensed clinician before making decisions that rely on this summary.