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American School for the Deaf & Dumb
The American School for the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford, Connecticut was the first school that catered to all students with mental or physical disabilities. The state government where the school was established helped fund the school's expenses by allocating taxpayer money towards it. The school soon became a community that rejected previous stereotypes that being deaf was equivalent to having poor intelligence. The school prompted the enrollment of both adults and adolescents. -
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History of Special and Inclusive Education Timeline
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Rhode Island's first special education classes
Rhode Island was the first state in the U.S. to offer special education classes. Rhode Island opened up one class for the mentally disabled per year, for two consecutive years, after the initial class in 1896. Rhode Island paved the way for states around the U.S to follow suit and offer multiple classes for special education students. -
Council for Exceptional Children
Elizabeth Ferrell founded the Council for Exceptional Children to create a professional dynamic on how special education students should be taught. Ferrell believed that these students needed to be treated normally while still being mindful that they require additional resources than the average student. The organization held annual meetings and believed that teachers must be certified and highly educated to teach special education.
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Brown v. Board of Education
This U.S. landmark case gave hope to students of color because it revoked the previous ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson. The outcome of the case stated that separate but equal in school was unconstitutional. As a result, it was a case that allowed people of color to feel like the barriers built by prejudice were finally being brought down. The court decision inspired cases that sought to defend the rights of students with disabilities.
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Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) created opportunities in school for disadvantaged students. It allowed students in poverty to receive the same resources, public education, and professional educators as students who were more fortunate. The act sought to increase the school's accountability for the disadvantaged students and make sure that their progress is being examined like the rest of the students. Students in poverty were also provided free or reduced lunches. -
PARC
The landmark case Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stated that no student with mental disabilities were allowed to be denied a free and public education. This allowed intellectually disabled students the same academic opportunities as their non-disabled peers. This case ensured that schools dedicated the time to educate those who were disabled as if they were any other student. -
Education for all Handicapped Children Act
This act was the first time the government got together to create legislation pertaining to special education students. It mandated that special needs students should be given the ability to attend public schools. It also consisted of allowing special education students to be subjected to a least restrictive environment. This idea of equal treatment allowed students with disabilities to be given the chance to work alongside and socialize with non-disabled students. -
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F. Garret
Garret F. was paralyzed due to an accident and required medical assistance while in public school. This court ruling was in favor of a least restrictive environment because it placed the student in a general classroom. Although the student was mentally sharp, he still had a physical disability that required assistance. The court ruling allowed him to exercise the same right, as all other students, of equal access to free public education even though he required additional related services. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act enforced that schools would be held accountable for the inclusion of all students in their schools. Every child should have equal opportunities in school. Not only should students with disabilities be given the same resources as non-disabled students, but they should also be accounted for in grade level progress. For instance, special education students need to be on-track and at grade level for how they score on statewide assessments. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
IDEIA replaces the previous act called IDEA that mostly focused on not labeling students based on their disability, including special education students in the accountability system, and providing extensive resources to improve education for disabled students. IDEIA adds to the original act by reviewing yearly educational progress to determine if there is a need for intervention. This allows teachers to catch discrepancies in time and get the student at the same level as their peers.