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The First Special Education School
Thomas Gallaudet was a reverend that opened the first special education school. The school was named the
"American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb" and was located in Hartford, CT. The school has since been renamed " American School for the Deaf". -
States’ Take Responsibility.
Before 1890, there were many schools opening to schooling children with special needs. However, there were no laws for providing children with special needs with educational institutions. Laws that allowed the states to become responsible for providing special needs children with institutions were implemented. History of Special Education -
National Education Association
Since the state was now responsible for developing institutions for special needs children, they would need qualified individuals to teach in the institutions. The National Education Association created a section where teachers were trained to teach children with special needs. These teachers would learn how they could teach children with special needs. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v Board was a court case about the unconstitutional separation of students based on color.
Brown was victorious, which allowed parents of children with disabilities to file lawsuits against schools excluding or segregation children with disabilities. This was a step in the right direction for ensuring children with special needs received an appropriate education. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act ensured that schools were provided funds to create proper environments in schools for children with special needs. -
Education of the Handicapped Act
The Education of the Handicapped Act provided grants that allowed teachers to take training that focused on children with special needs. This act also provided a Bureau of Education for the Handicapped in the Office of Education. -
PARC
Pennsylvania Assn. for Retarded Children v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was a case about schools excluding children with intellectual disabilities. PARC ended up winning the case. The case settlement ensured parents were given the opportunity to be included in educational placement and a chance to resolve disputes that may arise when seeking education for their child. -
Mills v. Board of Education
Mills took the Board of Education of the District of Columbia to court to ensure that all special needs children were not denied an education due to their disabilities. Mills won the case. The Board of Education of the District of Columbia had to ensure children with special needs were entitled to a proper education despite accommodations or extra cost. -
Education for All Handicapped Children
Public Law 94-142 was an act passed in 1975.
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 ensured students with disabilities a free, appropriate public education in every state across the country. This was a major first step in providing children with special needs a proper education throughout public schools in the USA. The Education for All Handicapped Law is one of the main foundations for law pertaining to children with special needs. -
IDEA of 2004
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 was renamed in 1990 to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This act allowed children with special needs to receive education and special services needed to address their needs. In 2004, the IDEA act was updated to allow for early intervention for children with special needs, updated standards for special needs teachers, and improved educational results.
IDEA -
Every Student Succeeds Act
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, made changes to the IDEA of 2004. Some of these changes were allowing states more flexibility with education and placing expectations needed for being honest with families and communities. This allowed for better communication with school personal and families.