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Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark education case that paved way for future legislations that protected the rights of students with disabilities. At the end of the case the Supreme Court ruled to end racial segregation in public schools. It was the first time that the federal government stepped in and advocated for students who experienced inequality at school and subsequently paved the path for future legislations for students with disabilities. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The ESEA initiated the role of the Federal Government in protecting students who had a disadvantaged backgrounds and ensuring they would have equal access within the public education system. Some examples of provisions derived from the act include the free and reduced lunch program as well as other programs that helped low income families have access to high quality education, and a grant that encouraged states to improve Special Education programs. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
In 1971 the PARC challenged a state law that which denied individuals with special education needs from entering public schools. The case concluded that every mentally retarded child must have access to free public schooling and training up to the age of 21. The results of this case laid the foundation for the rights of students with disabilities right to an education. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
This act entered into public law that all states to provide free and appropriate education to all students with disabilities. It was the first national piece of legislation that mandated all students with disabilities had the right to an education. It was signed in to law by President Ford and has become the cornerstone of all special education for the past 25 years. It also instated the requirement of IEPS as well as defining "least restrictive environment". -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This act replaced the EAHCA act of 1975. The act extended special education services to cover social work, assistive technology and rehabilitiation services. It also provided due process and confidentiality for students and parents. The revised act included the requirement for billingual services as well as transition services for employment. -
IDEA Revised
Under this revised act, all students were required to have access to special education services even if they are expelled from public school. Schools were also required to assume greater responsibility to ensure that students with disabilities had access to general education curriculum. An important aspect of the revised act was the requirement of all general education teachers to be part of an IEP team. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The most recent iteration of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It improved the performance of elementary and secondary schools by increasing accountability for all students, including this with special needs. As long as accountability standards are met, states would have more flexibility in how they used federal funds. It also implemented early reading interventions. The act requires that all teachers are highly qualified through assessments and testing.
