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Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
At the time, students with mental retardation were not allowed to have schooling, and this court case challenged that. The ruling states that children with mental retardation are able to participate in public schooling and training. Among the first court cases that advocates for students of special needs, this historical case is one to remember for its impact on the educational system (Vaughn, Bos, Schumm, 2013, page 4). -
Educational Amendments Act (Public Law 93-380)
On August 21st, 1974, this act amended the current legislation regarding elementary and secondary education funding and resource materials ("Public Law 93-380"). This law gave grants to states for exceptional learners, provides federal funding for gifted and talented students, and granted due process of special education. This act recognizes gifted students, as well as provides federal funding and grants to special education and resources (Vaughn, et al, 2013, page 6). -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142, Part B)
Enacted November 29th, 1975, this “mainstreaming law” requires states to provide free, public education for children ages 5-18 with disabilities ("Public Law 94-142"). It also was the law that defined least restrictive environments and requires individualized education programs. This act had a huge impact on the public education system for all students with disabilities, and also defines terms such as IEP and LRE which are still used today (Vaughn, et al. 2013, page 6). -
Honig v. Doe
Ruled on January 20th, 1988, this court case defended students with emotional and behavioral disorders who also have academic and/or social issues (Steketee). The court ruled in favor of supporting disabled students by requiring that schools cannot suspend or expel student behaviors related to their disabilities. In addition to the previous legislation, this is the first legislation to recognize and support emotional and behavioral disabilities (Vaughn, et al. 2013, page 4). -
IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 101-476)
This law extends services to students with disabilities such as rehabilitation, assistive technology, and social work. It also requires states to provide transition services, employment services, and bilingual education (Vaughn, et al. 2013, page 6). -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
On March 22nd, 2001, the NCLB legislation reached the House for the final vote (Congress.gov). This law increases accountability of the teacher, district, and states for all students. This law also implements early reading interventions and allows schools more flexibility with spending of funding if they meet standards (Vaughn, et al. 2013, page 7). Schools are still currently using this law and being held accountable for it, so it’s important that teachers and educators are aware of it. -
IDEIA – Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (2004)
The improvements within this act include the use of RtI to determine level of disability, raises standards for the special education licensure, and aims to support races and ethnicities fairly (Vaughn, et al. 2013, page 7). The improvements to the IDEA legislation are still pertinent to classroom education today, so for that reason, this act is a major one.
