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Samuel A. Kirk coins term "learning disability"
At an education conference, Kirk created a defined the term "learning disabilities". A visionary and pioneer, Kirk was one of nine children from Lebanese parents descended from Scottish crusaders. (NYTimes 1996). This term has helped create understanding and reduce stigmatization for people with intellectual disabilities. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Civil Rights Act finally ratified in 1964. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin and extends to prevent illegal racial segregation in schools. This was groundbreaking for innumerable aspects of American life, but especially important for the beginning of improving education systems and access for all citizens. -
Higher Education Act of 1965
The Higher Education Act of 1965 was established by President Johnson to offer financial support for low-income students wanting ti pursue higher education. It included scholarships, low-interest loans and established a National Teacher Corps. It is the first in many small steps to attempting to empower structurally marginalized peoples. -
Equality of Educational Opportunity Study
Equality of Educational Opportunity Study aka the Coleman Report was released in 1966. In a massive research project, Coleman's evidence proves that African-American students, and all students, succeed in diverse learning environments. The results demonstrated the benefits of integration in schools and paved the way for shuttling or bussing students across districts to achieve integration. -
"Toward a Theory of Instruction"
Jerome Bruner publishes his book "Toward a Theory of Instruction" which focuses on leading a learner through a series of questions and restatements of the problem as a means of acquiring knowledge. His theory was important in influencing popular perceptions about learning and helped shift learning models from behavioral to cognitive learning theories. This would impact false notions of racial or cultural arguments about mental acumen. -
Epperson v. Arkansas
The US Supreme Court found an Arkansas law prohibiting the teaching of evolution in schools to be unconstitutional. The court ruled that the Constitution does not allow any states to require their curriculum be "tailored to the principles or prohibitions of any religious sect" (Wiki). This supported multicultural education by preventing alteration or restriction of knowledge by any monopolizing ideology. -
Diana vs The State Board of Education
Diana vs The State Board of Education resulted in the creation of laws to ensure that any students who are being assessed for potential Special Education placement must be tested in their primary language. This greatly supported multicultural education in preventing discrimination against the children of immigrants or non-native speakers. -
PARC vs Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children vs PA resulted in the federal decision that students with "mental retardation" are entitled to free public education. Intellectual disabilities were no longer grounds for denying children access to education. -
Mills vs Board of Education of District of Columbia
The ruling ensured equal protection for education, regardless of ability level. It also entitled disabled students to free education appropriate for their learning capacities, thereby extending the PARC ruling to a broader group of disabled people and guaranteeing adequate support services. This supported a greater inclusion of differently-abled students. -
Title IX of Education Amendments
Title IX of the Education Amendments prohibits discrimination based on sex in any federally funded educational program or activity. It is commonly cited in reference to sports, but expands to include all educational institutions activities. With this, women were not to be excluded from educational institutions, and this supported their inclusion and participation in narratives for multicultural knowledge. -
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prevents discrimination against people with disabilities. In prohibiting their exclusion, the act requires accommodations to support individuals with learning, intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Accommodations include supports such as requested texts in larger print, seating assignments closer to teacher, oral tests, etc. This inclusion of differently-abled peoples expands multicultural education to additional vulnerable groups.
