Court Cases that Made a Significant Difference in Special Education

Burlington School Community v. Department of Education (1984)

1984 BCE

To receive an appropriate education, a student was placed by thier parent in private school. Fees and tuition were requested from the school system by the parents. Reimbursement was refused by the town. It was stated that the parent gave up rights for due process when the child was removed from public school, and that the child's IEP was appropriate. It was ruled by the court that private school tuition should be reimbursed. www.caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/471/359.html

Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1972)

1972 BCE

A public education was denied for the handicapped in Pennsylvania, leaving parents to acquire private education. A decree was issued by COP to provide education despite handicap. The ruling provided suitable education for all children, children would not be suspended for more that two days without a hearing, and educational needs should be tailored to the needs of the student. Set the stage for the national special education law.
http://www.rootedinrights.org/15321-revision-v1/