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The Elementary and Second Education Act
This was enacted as part of Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty". It provided free/reduced meals, additional resources for low-income families, and more teachers in this area. This was one of the first real step towards equity in schools and accessibility in education for students. -
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act
This Act ensured that students with disabilities would not be discriminated against in receiving federal funding. It also gave a more specific definition for what it meant for all students being able to get an "appropriate" education. Section 504 of this also states that students with disabilities should be given equal access to education and resources to students without disabilities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This provided a definition for where learning should take place for students with disabilities (the Least Restrictive Environment--LRE), as well as a guide for how teachers should accommodate students (Individualized Education Plans--IEP). This is the first act that required free public education to all students with disabilities from ages 5-18. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This Act prevented the discrimination against anyone with disabilities in the workforce. It also states that "Equal Opportunity" is to be provided to all, including jobs, transportation, and other accommodations that may be needed. -
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)
The biggest benefit that was created as a result of this Act was the Transition Programs starting at age 16 for students with disabilities. This allows them with skills, resources, and experiences that allow them to enter the workforce after high school. Bilingual Programs and Student Confidentiality are two other highlights of the new decisions. -
Amendments to IDEA
The amendments made in 1997 provide a myriad of aids to students with disabilities. One of the most note-worthy changes was the fact that General Education teachers are now involved in interventions/IEPs. Behavior Management Plans and services beyond expulsion are other benefits with these amendments. Students with disabilities are also required to take State-Mandated Tests as a result of this. -
The No Child Left Behind Act
One of the most famous laws of my time, it does not provide a whole lot of support for students with disabilities. It does increase teacher qualifications/programs to ensure the best teachers. However, it increases the pressure on schools to perform well in tests as a marker for student achievement. -
I was born! And so was my bestest stuffed animal friend, Poly the Polar Bear
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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Instated by Obama, this Act gives more power to the state governments about how they want to set up their standardized testing, and what they want their consequences for not meeting standards to be. It also provides plans for schools on bullying prevention. Oftentimes, students with disabilities are subjected to bullying during their time in school, so this is a great advantage to students with disabilities. -
My favorite band, Peach Pit, was formed
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I graduated high school!
