History of Special Education Timeline

By mamaash11
  • Foundation of the Clarke School for the Deaf

    Foundation of the Clarke School for the Deaf

    Description: The Clarke School for the Deaf was one of the earliest institutions dedicated to the education of individuals with hearing impairments, pioneering specialized educational approaches for this population.
  • Passage of the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court Decision

    Passage of the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court Decision

    Description: The "separate but equal" doctrine established by this case paved the way for segregation in education, impacting the provision of special education services for marginalized groups.
  • Founding of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

    Founding of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

    Description: The CEC's establishment marked a significant milestone in advocating for the rights and needs of children with exceptionalities, influencing policy and professional standards in special education.
  • Brown v. Board of Education

    Brown v. Board of Education

    This landmark Supreme Court decision declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, challenging segregation in education and indirectly impacting special education.
  • Passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)

    Passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)

    EAHCA mandated a free and appropriate public education for all children with disabilities, laying the foundation for the modern special education system in the United States.
  • Board of Education v. Rowley Supreme Court Decision

    Board of Education v. Rowley Supreme Court Decision

    This case established the standard of "educational benefit" as the measure of the adequacy of services provided to students with disabilities under the EAHCA, influencing subsequent legal interpretations and practices.
  • Enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    ADA prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education, fostering greater accessibility and inclusivity in educational settings
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments

    The IDEA amendments expanded services and protections for children with disabilities, emphasizing inclusive education practices and parental involvement in the special education process.
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    NCLB introduced accountability measures for schools, including provisions for the academic achievement of students with disabilities, reshaping how schools approached special education and assessment practices.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    ESSA replaced NCLB and continued to emphasize accountability but provided more flexibility in how states assess and support students, including those with disabilities, aiming for more personalized educational experiences.