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Brown v. Board of Education
This Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public school were unconstitutional and violated the 14th amendment. This landmark ruling is important because it is the first time the federal government supported students who experienced inequality and prejudice at public schools. It opened the door for future court cases that encouraged equal education for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) gave individuals from different backgrounds and social classes access to high-quality education. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s signed this Act on April 11, 1965, to benefit children from low-income households, and disadvantaged backgrounds. It helped them receive proper public school education programs, additional teachers, and free and reduced lunch. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ruling of 1971 was the first right-to-education lawsuit in the country. This act prevented individuals with mental retardation from being excluded from public education. This gave students that were unfairly excluded, access to free public programs of education and training. -
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA) prevents federal funded organizations from discriminating against someone based on their disability. This act directly affected places like public schools, workplaces, and social and health services. It offers people with disabilities more opportunities for employment, community service, schools, and universities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) enacted in 1975 required public schools to offer free education for children with disabilities. This act was the first to require individualized education programs (IEP’s) for children with disabilities. This was also when the less restrictive environment (LRE) was first defined. This act was known as the Mainstreaming Law. -
Honig v. Doe
The Honig v. Doe ruling represented the zero reject principle ensuring students are not excluded or denied access to a free public education due to the nature of their disability. This act ensured individuals that had been expelled or suspended due to their disability would still have access to public education. Despite any academic or social problems caused by a disorder, the student will continue to receive Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
https://www.oyez.org/cases/1987/86-728 -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures students are not excluded or denied access to a free high-quality public education due to the nature of their disability. IDEA expands on the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, enacted in 1975. This act allows children to receive appropriate education and related special services.
https://youtu.be/66g6TbJbs2g -
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F. Garret
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F. Garret ruled that under the 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), nursing services were to be provided by the school for disabled students who needed them during the school day. These services were to be provided for the student whenever he needed, free of cost for the parents. Since the student’s mental capabilities were unaffected it was unfair to exclude him from a typical classroom setting, supporting the least restrictive environment. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed on January 8, 2002, by President George W. Bush. Its main goal was “to improve the performance of America’s elementary and secondary schools while at the same time ensuring that no child is trapped in a failing school." This act increased accountability for schools by setting curriculum accountability standards and allowing for more flexibility regarding how states, districts, and schools choose to distribute federal funding. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama in 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) that was enacted in 2002. This act gave equal opportunity for all students by providing additional opportunities for students that are not making adequate progress. This act ensure that all students in America are taught to high academic standards to prepare them for college and careers.
