Important Events in Special Education

By SarahWarren

  • CEC Advocacy Group Formed

    The CEC or the Council for Exceptional Children was the first group that defended for children with disabilities. The group was formed in 1922 at Columbia University in New York City. According to the CEC's website, their vision states, "In advocating on behalf of children with exceptionalities, CEC examines policy issues, develops appropriate responses to those issues and influences local, state, provincial and federal legislation..."

  • The NARC

    The National Association for Retarded Citizens was created in 1950. It was established by many different advocacy groups. During the passing of IDEA, the NARC helped with litigation and seeing that the judical process was met.

  • Brown vs. Board of Education

    The court case of "Brown vs. Board of Education" was the case that overturned the "Plessy vs. Fergusen" case, which said that just because they are separate does not mean they are equal. While the main focus of this court case was blacks and whites in school, it also brought to light special needs students and general education student.

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    This section of the Rehabilitation Act protects from discrimination against people with special needs and disabilities. This law was the first of its kind. The law also includes FAPE and LRE. Students are eligible when a mental or physical disability is diagnosed that impacts their learning abilities.

  • PL 94-142

    The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was signed into law on November 29,1975. Many special education advocates were overjoyed when President Ford signed this into law. This law ensured a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.

  • Rowley vs. Board of Education of HHCD

    This significant court case paved the way for the Rowley test to determine whether or not FAPE was being met according to each student's IEP. The test consists of 2 questions. "Is the IEP developed through the procedures of the Act, reasonably calculated to enable the child to revieve educational benefit." and "has the school complied with the procedures of IDEA.

  • The ADA

    The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed on July 26th, 1990 by President George W. Bush. This act assured that people with special needs would have the same rights as everyone else at all times. The two major places included work and school. It also restablished that people with special needs would not be discriminated against in everyday society.

  • IDEA

    The individuals with disabilities education act was signed by President George W. Bush almost 30 years after PL 94-142. I thought of IDEA was first presented to the Senate by Tom Harkin in 1989. FAPE, LRE, IEP, evaluation, parent/student participation and procedural safeguards for all participants. This law includes 4 sections A-D.

  • No Child Left Behind

    The No Child Left Behind law was signed by President George Bush. It stated that all children needed to be proficient in math by the year 2014. While the law is controversial many see it as a positive idea. Schools are to report their test scores to the AYP however, some have be proven of cheating.

  • Re-authorization of IDEA

    While the original IDEA was signed into law in 2004, the reauthorization made changes to the original such as, IEP, student discipline and due process.