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Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Public Law 89-10)
This act was very important in the fact that the realization that not all children learn the same and that some students need additional support in order to truly benefit from their school experience. This act sets the tone for many acts to follow. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142, Part B
Requires that all states provide free and appropriate public education to children with disabilities (5-18) and it requires schools to evaluate students and provide them with an individual education plan (IEP) so that teachers can meet the needs of that specific student. This act provides the first legal definition of least restrictive environment which is a classroom environment that is like that of students without disabilities but successfully meets the educational needs of all students. -
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (Public Law 99-457)
These amendments that where added to the previous handicapped children act allow children ages 3 to 5 to be included in the state requirement for free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities. At this time early intervention programs where created and implemented for infants and toddlers with disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 101-476)
This act replaces the EAHCA act with updated name. This act requires the use of people-first language so children are not defined by their disability and for teachers to include students with disabilities to be assessed and given alternative assessments when needed. This act includes traumatic brain injury and autism as sped categories. This act requires states to include bilingual education for students with disabilities and requires the development of transitional programs. -
Individuals with Disablilites Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-17)
This act includes significant amendments added to the original act of 1990 to continue to improve the quality of education given to children with disabilities. Important amendments include: requirement of a behavior management plan to accompany an IEP if necessary, requires students to continue to receive services even upon expulsion and this act adds that a general education teacher must be a member of the IEP team for each student. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This act is important because it increases accountability of school districts in the performance and education of all students including minority students and students with special needs. This is done by offering annual standardized tests to students. Another important amendment is allowing students that are in failing schools, according to the standardized test scores to transfer schools.