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Brown v. Board of Education 1954
This landmark Supreme Court case declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The case mainly addressed racial segregation, it set a precedent for challenging exclusion in education. The case laid the groundwork for later efforts to include students will disabilities in general education classrooms. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education#:~:text=On%20May%2017%2C%201954%2C%20U.S.,amendment%20and%20was%20therefore%20unconstitutional. -
The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 1972
This case established the right to a free public education for children with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania. It was one of the first legal victories toward inclusion in education. The victory laid the foundation for the nationwide movement towards inclusion education for students with disabilities. https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/pennsylvania-association-retarded-citizens-parc-v-commonwealth-pennsylvania-1972 -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was the first federal civil rights law to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. This included students. It requires schools to provide accommodations to ensure students with the disabilities have access to an education. https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/disability-topics/disability_topic_info/section_504_of_the_rehabilitation_act_of_1973 -
1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
This act is also known as Public Law 94-142. This law required public schools provide a free appropriate public education to all students with disabilities. It was a critical step in ensuring that students with disabilities were included in public
schools. https://www.gao.gov/products/113316 -
1986 EAHCA Amendments
The 1986 EAHCA Amendments introduced early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. The amendments also strengthened the rights of parents. The amendments enhanced parent's ability to participate in the decision-making process regarding their child's education. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED277172 -
1990 American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in areas of public life. These areas include in schools. The ADA extended the rights of students with disabilities to include access to public and private schools, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to education. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED445446 -
1997 IDEA Reauthorization
The reauthorization of IDEA emphasized the importance of including students with disabilities in general education classrooms. The reauthorization mandated that students with disabilities be involved in state and district-wide assessments and require IEP's. It ensured parents active involvement in developing and monitoring their child's IEP. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED445446 -
2001 No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
NCLB reauthorized ESEA. The act emphasized accountability for the academic performance of all students, including those with disabilities. It required schools to close the achievement gap by ensuring that students with disabilities met academic standards. https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/1 -
2004 IDEA Reauthorization
The 2004 IDEA Reauthorization introduced significant changes aimed at improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities. It provided additional support to children from book to age three by putting a emphasize on early intervention. The reauthorization aligned IDEA with No Child Left Behind Act, by requiring schools to use evidence-based practices. https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/lr/ideareathztn.asp -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District 2017
This supreme court case clarified the standard for the level of educational benefit that schools must provide under IDEA. The court ruled schools must offer an education that enables a child to make progress despite their circumstances. This strengthened the rights of students with disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CacpB9muC0A