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School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp and Murray v. Curlett
The U.S. Supreme court ruled that "no state law or school board may require that passages from the Bible be read or that the Lord's Prayer be recited in the public schools . . . even if individual students may be excused from attending or participating . . ." This is significant because there are other religious systems with varying beliefs, not just those that pertain to the Bible. Forcing students of other religious backgrounds to recite the Bible seems unconstitutional. -
Samuel A. Kirk Uses the Term "learning disability" at a Chicago Conference on Children with Perceptual Disorders
The Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, now known as the Learning Disabilities Association of America, was formed. This is significant because today nearly one-half of U.S. students have a learning disability. By recognizing these students, the educational system can better accommodate their individual learning needs, providing them a brighter future. -
Coral Way Elementary School Starts the First Bilingual and Bicultural Public School in the United States
After a large number of Cuban immigrant children arriving in Miami post Cuban revolution, Coral Way Elementary School was established, providing the first educational institution for bilingual children of various cultural backgrounds. This was a great leap in the journey to provide education for students of all backgrounds. -
The Civil RIghts Act Becomes Law
This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion or national origin. This is extremely important in the educational system because students cannot be denied basic learning rights due to the color of the skin or their beliefs. Everyone should have the right to an education. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is passed on April 9th
This law " provides federal funds to help low-income students, which results in the initiation of educational programs such as Title I and bilingual education." With children of all backgrounds enrolling in public schools, this law is important for their future. Students who couldn't previously afford schooling now have equivalent opportunities as other higher-income students. -
The Higher Education Act is Signed at Southwest Texas State College on November 8th
This law increased federal aid to higher education and provided for scholarships, student loans, and established a National Teachers Corps. Higher education can be very expensive, but this fact should not prohibit individuals from being able to attend and expand their learning capabilities. -
The Indian Education Act Becomes Law
This law established "a comprehensive approach to meeting the unique needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students". This law was significant because it recognized that students of American Indian or Alaska Native backgrounds have special cultural academic needs along with different distinct languages. -
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
"Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in all aspects of education". This is significant because of gender norms that are often pressing issues, especially in school systems. This law would give children of any sex basic rights, with an emphasis of girls and women in the participation of physical activity. -
The Rehabilitation Act Becomes Law
This law provided special accommodations for students with disabilities. This opened a new window of opportunity for disabled students to participate in various school activities and special programs. There is a large population of students with disabilities and it's important that their needs are recognized and accommodated accordingly for a fair educational experience. -
Improving America's Schools Act (IASA) is signed into law by President Bill Clinton on January 25th
This was the re-authorization of the ESEA act of 1965. This "increased funding for bilingual and immigrant education; and provisions for public charter schools, drop-out prevention, and educational technology." This act would help keep children in school and provide more opportunities for immigrant families, allowing individuals of different backgrounds access to a normal education.
