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American School for the Deaf
In 1817, Gallaudet started the first school in the United States for students with hearing impairments. Originally called the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, it is now known as the American School for the Deaf. Located in Hartford, Connecticut, this school was a key step in providing specialized education for deaf students. -
AAIDD
Founded in 1876, the American Association on Mental Deficiency, now known as the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), is a prominent American non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The AAIDD works to improve the quality of life for these individuals through advocacy, research, and education.
https://www.aaidd.org/home -
Council for Exceptional Children
In 1922, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The CEC plays a crucial role in advocating for suitable government policies and setting professional standards in the field of special education. It offers a range of professional development opportunities, supports educators in accessing the necessary resources and conditions for effective practice, and helps to advance the quality of education for exceptional learners. -
The ARC of America
Initially established in the 1950s as the National Association for Retarded Citizens, The Arc of the United States was the first organization to fund research into intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc has actively supported the creation of state and federal laws benefiting individuals with disabilities.https://thearc.org/about-us/history/ -
Brown v Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark Supreme Court decision that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The decision overturned the earlier Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) ruling that had established the "separate but equal" doctrine. The Court ruled that segregated schools were inherently unequal and violated the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, marking a major step toward educational desegregation and equality.
https://youtu.be/neGpIQQAMKI?si=x5ET--QSKkawQHcV -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 aimed to support students from low-income families and those with disabilities. This legislation was crafted to ensure that schools, especially those in underfunded neighborhoods or districts, received the necessary resources to provide quality education for all students. -
Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act, established in 1973, prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs but did not require affirmative action for special education. The law enabled many qualified individuals with disabilities to enter the federal workforce and positions with federal contractors for the first time. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, aimed to guarantee that all children with disabilities had the right to education and established accountability measures for educational agencies. By 1977, it required school districts to provide a free and appropriate education to all students with disabilities. In exchange for federal funding, states had to ensure non-discriminatory testing, evaluation, and placement, due process rights, and access to free and proper education. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that all schools and districts receiving federal funding provide students with disabilities a public education customized to their specific needs. The goal is to prepare these students for continued education, employment, and independent living by offering the necessary support and services to help them succeed. -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act requires states to create academic standards for students and develop a statewide assessment system to verify that these standards are being achieved. This assessment system is intended to provide a structure for accountability.https://youtu.be/0--2nhsDorg?si=r8iH4D_c0UzvPOky -
Every Student Succeeds Act
In 2015, Congress replaced the No Child Left Behind Act with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Signed into law by President Obama, ESSA addressed state and district concerns by removing some accountability requirements. The Act aims to empower families, ensure a high-quality education for all students, and advance equity by protecting disadvantaged students. For the first time, it mandates that all students be taught to high academic standards to prepare them for college and careers.