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Brown Vs Board of Education
Due to racial segregation in 1951 black children residing in Topeka, Kansas were refused enrollment into local public "white" schools. Oliver Brown alongside neighboring black families filed a class action lawsuit against the Topeka Board of Education. Once appealed within the Supreme Court segregation in the school setting was deemed unconstitutional. This verdict initiated the path for integration within American public schools and other educational facilities.
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Training for Teachers of Deaf Act (Public Law 87-276)
In response to a shortage of specially trained teachers for “deaf students”, this act served as an incentive to fulfill this much needed role. Providing future teachers of children with disabilities in hearing, grants for proper training. This special training would help a teacher properly educate children who are deaf in the subjects of language and speech. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Seeking to revise federal education policy newly elected President Johnson signed this bill into law. Envisioned to bridge the educational success gap between children living in higher income homes and children living in poverty, primary & secondary schools were eligible for federal funding. This federal aide would finance various programs, materials and overall resources leading to "quality and equality". Since 1965, ESEA has continued to be revised, amended and renamed (as late as 2015). -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) V. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Seeking justice and equality, the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens and parents of children denied free education sued the Commonwealth of PA. Arguing all children could benefit from a free education and not being provided this service could have a negative impact on a child’s development. In 1972 the case settled and PA. was found responsible for providing free education to all children. This settlement was the first major win for children with disabilities’ fight for equality. -
Title IX
Amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX was enacted to prohibit federally funded educational institutions from discriminating against students due to their sex. Title IX protects students from gender discrimination and inequality in athletic and educational programs. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for overseeing these institutions and protecting students from retaliation after filing a complaint.
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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA insures student privacy regarding their education records. Educational institutions federally funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education must comply. Records may be viewed by school officials, schools receiving a transfer student, amongst other specialty personnel or organizations. Families and students over 18 also have access to education records for review. Written consent from caretaker or eligible student must be obtained for education records to be released to a non-authorized party. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) Now known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Enacted in 1975, this act ensured children with disabilities would be accepted and provided at least one meal per day by federally funded public schools. Public schools were also required to properly evaluate a child and their disability to better create a personalized educational plan (alongside parent). -
Public Law 99-457 (Handicapped Infants and Toddlers Program)
In 1986 the Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA) was reauthorized alongside this amendment. Upon recognizing the positive developmental effects of early education, this amendment was meant to include infant and preschool aged children with disabilities. Preschool aged children with disabilities became eligible for free public education and financial grants. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
Similar to it’s predecessor (ESEA) NCLB was federally enacted to improve public primary & secondary education. Signed by President Bush in 2001, NCLB would require states to create academic standards and testing. In turn, schools were to provide quality education for their students to successfully learn and meet their state’s academic standards. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Another attempt to improve ESEA/NCLB, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) considers various areas in public schooling that need improvement. President Obama reconsidered NCLB requirements for states to develop improved plans to further narrow the success gap between students in disadvantaged and financially stable communities. Unlike NCLB, ESSA acknowledges numerous factors for student achievement and holds states accountable for creating plans guiding their students towards academic success.
