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Rhode Island opened the first public special education class in the United States.
In 1896, Providence, RI was the first U.S. public school that was opened for those with mental retardation. This opened up doors for several cities to follow suit for students that could not be handled in regular classrooms. -
Plessy v Ferguson.
By a seven-to-one majority the Supreme Court passed laws that upheld the rights to allow racial segregation in schools, public transportation, restrooms and restaurants. “Separate but equal.” -
Brown v Board of Education Topeka, KS.
Linda Brown and her sister had to walk in dangerous areas to get to their school (for blacks). There was a school closer but it was for white people only. The Brown’s believed that segregated schools violated the Fourteenth Amendment and went to court. The Court decided that segregated schools did violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Lyndon B. Johnson passed this act emphasizing equal access to education with high standards and accountability. It represented a major commitment by the federal government to “quality and equality” in educating children. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits any discrimination on the basis of disability programs conducted by federal agencies, programs receiving financial help, etc. This provides protection and services for those with a disability.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. This applies to public elementary and secondary schools among other establishments. -
Public Law 94-142
Public Law 94-142 passed in 1975 which guaranteed a free appropriate public education to each child with a disability. This law dramatically had a positive impact on millions of children with disabilities across the U.S. and each local community across the country. -
Education of Handicapped Children Act
In 1986, Amendments were made to reauthorize programs under the Education of Handicapped Children to authorize early intervention program for handicapped infants. -
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
This is formally known as the Education of Handicapped Children Act. It addresses the needs of those with disabilities from birth to 21. It provides services for early intervention, special education and related services.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XMndYNEGFA -
American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities in every area of public life, including schools, jobs, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the public. -
Doe vs Withers
This court case happened in West Virginia. A general education high school history teacher did not comply with a student’s IEP. The teacher refused to comply with what was on the student’s IEP “to read questions tests orally.” There were monetary damages against the teacher under FAPE. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
NCLB was signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002. It is an updated version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. NCLB is provided money for extra educational assistance for poor children with improvements in their academic progress. It is also the most recent version of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Act. It requires that all states and schools ensure that all students are proficient in grade level reading and math. -
Court Affirms Reimbursement for Special Education
The Supreme Court ruled that parents can be reimbursed for private school tuition for those who have children with disabilities. This case was about an Oregon family who removed their student from public school and enrolled him in a $5,200 a month residential school. They do not have to be in special education in a public school in order to receive reimbursement.
