-
Beginning of Special Education
Before public education for disabled children was required, the only option to get an education for these children was to receive all their education and necessary therapy at home or at a private institution. This type of education was very expensive and as a result, not many parents could afford it. This eventually led many parents advocating for public school education and therapy for their children and to bring the reality of disabled kids and their need of education to the world. -
Period: to
Events leading to education for special students
-
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act was founded a a program by the United States Education to bring funding to both schools and school districts that have a large amount of low income students. This was allowed to close the educational gap of the low and the higher income students in other schools and school districts. This act also supported and bought libraries, books and educational services for private and public schools and other types of services for children in different educational and home situations. -
PARC vs Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children sued the state of Pennsylvania for not allowing disabled kids they deemed "unfit" to go to school. At the time, being considered "unfit" meant having the mental capacity of a five year old and being considered a burden because of inability to integrate in general class setting without interruptions. PARC pushed for their kids to be allowed a public education in a general course setting or in a specialized setting depending on their needs. -
Mills Vs. Department of Education of DC
Originally a lawsuit, the court stated that all children with disabilities have to be given a public education whether or not they can afford it. The court also stated, that a disabled child is entitled to a public education that is appropriate and equal to their learning capacity. This was the first lawsuit that truly inspired and started many parents to fight and advocate for their disabled children's education. -
Education for all Handicapped Children Act
Passed by the US Congress, this act required all public schools that are currently accepting federal funds to provide an equal access to public education along with a free meal a day to disabled children. The EHA is also required by to go through certain steps to allow the children an equal education including: evaluating the child, create an educational plan with parental input and, allow parents to dispute decisions that were made on their kid's educational plan. -
Honig vs Doe
In this case, a California school board had violated the EAHCA after they expelled a disabled student for violent behavior. The student in question was disabled but never received any special ed. services and was put under disciplinary action which involved indefinite suspension and a planned expulsion. This actions violated the Stay Put provision of the EAHCA. This would mean that this student would have to remain in his general education classes in order for him to get his public education. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA ensures that all students with disabilities are allowed a free public education that is fitted to each student's needs. Composed into four parts, Parts A and B allows what the law requires and educational assistance to the students. Part C covers children from birth to three and Part D consists of national support programs. IDEA allows information confidentiality, the least restrictive environment for the student.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66g6TbJbs2g -
Americans with Disabilities Act
A civil rights law that prohibits any form of discrimination against disabled individuals in public. This can include jobs, school, and anywhere in the general public. It also guarantees equal rights for all disabled people. This has led to titles such as Equal Employment Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities - which guarantees the disabled to the same employment opportunities and rights as a non disabled person.
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/ada -
Cedar Rapids vs Garret F
Ruled that the IDEA required the School board in this case needed to provide constant nursing services to any disabled student that needed them during school. This was after the student known as Garret, needed a nurse attendant throughout the day to help him with his heath needs. His parents provided one until they asked their school board to provide one to help with his health needs. Ultimately, the court ruled that under IDEA the school board must guarantee funds and help for Garret at school. -
No Child Left Behind Act
An update of the ESEA in 2002 that holds all schools accountable for all students' educational progress. This was specifically focused for English languages learning students, Special Ed and students living in poverty. Under this law, all students grades 3 through 8 as well as once in high school were tested on their math and reading abilities. They are then to be brought to a proficient level determined by each state. If schools do not have an adequate yearly progress, special action is taken.
