History of Special Education

Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

1965

This act began the federal government's role in protecting and providing students from disadvantaged backgrounds with equal access to public education. This act encouraged states to create improved programs for students with disabilities. This act also established the free and reduced lunch program.

Education of the Handicapped Act (P.L. 91-230)

1970

Previously known as the ESEA, this revised act continued to support state programs for students with disabilities. It did not provide guidelines for the programs. However, it did ensure that students with disabilities have access and the opportunity to go to school and reap the benefits of it.

Mills v. Brd. of Education of the D.C

1972

This case require the state to provide adequate alternative education services for students with disabilities. As well as periodic reviews of the students status and progress throughout the program. The court require schools to describe the curriculum, teacher qualifications, and other services that were needed to provide these students with adequate education.

Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)

1973

This act was developed to get states to create a plan for meeting the needs for providing vocational rehabilitation to handicapped individuals and provide services for them.These services should prepare them for as well as engage them in employment. The goal is to help them reach greater independence and self-sufficiency.

Education for All Handicapped Children P.L. 94-142

1975

This law required schools to make sure all students regardless of disability are given access to free public education. Students with disabilities or special needs are identified and provide with special education. That means educations outside of general education within the classroom.

Honig v. Doe

1988

This case allowed students with emotional/behavioral disorders to remain in school. Students with academic and/or social problems in school could not expelled because of it. If a school wants to remove a student, they must have a hearing with the parents & educational agencies all in agreeance.
https://www.oyez.org/cases/1987/86-728

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

1990

This law determines how public agencies provide early intervention & special education to toddlers & youth with disabilities. This is where we begin to use people-first language.Schools are required to provide students with an individual transition programs for students with disabilities by the time they are 16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66g6TbJbs2g

Cedar Rapids v. Garret

1999

Garret was a paralyzed student but that disability did not affect his mental capacity. He need nursing services in order to attend classes. It was ruled under IDEA that students must be provided with supplemental services that are needed at no cost to the family. he could not be turned away due to his disability.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

2002

This law was enacted to improve the performance of elementary and secondary schools. Student began taking standardized test to determine how much progres the school has made academically based on test scores. This law also allowed schools to choose how they spent the federal funding they received.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

2015

This replaced NCLB and it required that all students are taught with high academic standard to prepare students for college. This law was a push to bridge the gap between the low & high achieving students within a school. Also, this encourages schools to keep improving on the way that they are teaching students.