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Plessy v. Ferguson
The decision derived from Plessy v. Ferguson set the precedent that "separate but equal" facilities were coherently constitutional. This decision gave leeway to public officials to quickly extend this doctrine to the community. I chose this specific case because it demonstrated the segregated belief system that plagued our nation's school systems. I also chose it because it shows how these ideals can change over time, and how a more inclusive, equal community can emerge through reexamination. -
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Education: Then and Now
Between the late 1800s and early 2000s, the American educational structure and implementation of changing ideals has led to varied degrees of inclusivity in the classroom. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The unanimous rule of Brown v. Board of Education implemented that the "separate but equal" doctrine was unequal, thus desegregating public schools. I chose this case specifically because it shows, this time much earlier in history, the government supporting the liberal ideals of equality that are so prominent in modern education. This court case supported individuals in their pursual of higher education, and believed that it should be a right given to everyone. -
I.D.E.A.
I chose the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act because it shows the government's favor towards an inclusive school community for all children. Similarly to the IEP implementation, this action holds educators responsible for equality through the routines and practices of their classroom, in addition to being aware of and celebrating individual differences that help make up the classroom community. -
IEP Program Placement & Free/ Appropriate Public Education
I specifically chose the IEP program because I was on an IEP for speech therapy through the sixth grade and feel it is a program that helps kids feel "normal" in the school setting. The IEP program brings a sense of inclusivity to all individuals, highlighting and celebrating the abilities that every student possesses. It also, in my opinion, holds educators responsible for making sure their classroom routines and practices are equitable for all. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act displayed the government's idea of what education should be, and demonstrated their use of power to force idealistic tests and pressures of test scores to attempt to raise students' averages both nation-wide and internationally. I chose this because it demonstrates a critical shift from child-perspective education to more a statistical view. This demonstrates a lack of empathy for the individuality of children and classrooms.
