-
Brown v. Board of Education
This case is the foundation of special education advancements. This case was not originally about special education however it laid the ground that students can not be discriminated against and segregated. -
Mills v. Board of Education
This court case extended the right to an education to students with all kinds of disabilities, not just those with an intellectual disability. In addition, it made it clear that not having the government funding to provide this education does not excuse you of this responsibility. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This granted the right to a free public education for students with an intellectual disability. Public schools now must provide an integrated education for children with a disability ages 6-21. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
This act, similar to Brown v. The Board of Education, stops discrimination. It gave people with disabilities equal opportunities and stated that they can not be discriminated against based on their disability. -
PL 99-457
This was the first reauthorization of the IDEA. This law highlighted early intervention within young kids. It also was the start of individualized family service plans (IFSP). -
PL 101-476
This is when the name changed to IDEA. This law was a crack down on the wrong that was happening within special education. It included counseling as related services, made an individualized transition plan a requirement, and held states legally accountable for violating IDEA. -
PL 105-17
This reauthorization made services for students vast and exponentially more beneficial. It includes mediation, orientation and mobility services, assistive technology, and much more. -
Armstrong v. Kline
This ruling stated that the state must provide year-round educational services to students with severe disabilities. If they do not, they are in violation of the student's rights to an education. This is because of the regression they have over long breaks. -
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
This act states that all students, including special education, are expected to test proficient in math, reading, and science. Schools that could not test proficient were gifted extra funding and it allowed the parent of a student failing options for their kid’s education. It also made it so all teachers had to be considered “highly qualified” to teach. -
IDEA 2004
This act enforces more accountability of the schools and the IEP they put in place with the student. It also puts the student and their parents more in charge of their IEP and education. -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
This supreme court decision stated that the student’s IEP is there to assist the student. It must be more than the minimum and reflect what the student needs.