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Brown v. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme court ruled that racial segragation within the public school system was unconstitutional and had no place in education. This lawsuite lead the way for parents with disabilities to file lawsuits against public schools for excluding their children with disabilities. -
Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965
The Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) of 1965 established funding for public schools to help underprivileged children gain access to equal opportunities and provide a quality education. In 1966, the ESEA was amended to establish a grant program to address the initiation and implementation of resources for handicapped children. -
Mills v. Board of Education
A civil lawsuit filed against the District of Columbia public schools for excluding children with disabilities from access to a free and public education. The U.S Supreme court ruled that students with disabilities are entitled to an education regardless of accomodations and additional cost to the school district. -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975 is the first disability civil rights law to be established in the United States. It serves to prohibit discrimination against an individuals disability. It ensures every child's right to a free and public education regardless of the severity of the disability. -
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
The FERPA of 1974 was established to protect the privacy of students and parents. The act provides for parents to be able to inspect and review their student's record and amend or challeng the content of the students records. -
Public Law 94-142: The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
Public Law 94-142 is known as The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. The act established equal access to education for children with disabilities, The act has had amendments and a name change to ensure equal access to education for individuals with disabilities. -
Education of Handicapped Amendment of 1986
The Education of Handicapped Amendment of 1986 provided the authorization of early intervention programs for infants and toddler with disabilities. The purpose was to decrease developemental delays at a younger age. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990
IDEA of 1990 replaced the previously known act referred to as the EAHCA. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 added the inclusion of autism and traumatic brain injury as disabilities. The act also orders that a student's IEP (individualized education program) must include an ITP (individual transition plan) to help students transition post secondary education. -
No Child Left Behind Act of 2002
The NCLB Act was established in 2002 and is the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. Its intent was to close the gap among student achievement. Educators and schools were held accountable to higher standards measured by standardized testing outcomes. Exceptional learners were also required to meet the same standards as their peers. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 was signed into law by President Obama in 2015. It replaced the NCLB Act of 2002. The law continues to hold schools accountable for student achievement. However, it allows states to create an education plan provided within certain criteria from the federal government. Educators are given more freedom to effectively instruct exceptional learners.