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Elementary and Secondary Education Act
ESEA is an extensive statute that funds primary and secondary education, emphasizing high standards and accountability. As mandated in the act, funds are authorized for professional development, instructional materials, resources to support educational programs, and the promotion of parental involvement. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Created the first civil rights legislation in the United States specifically to protect individuals with disabilities. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students who possess a physical or mental exceptionality that substantially limits one or more major life activities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. -
Educational Amendments Act
This act gives students and their families the right to due process in special education cases. Also grants federal funding for gifted and talented students. -
Education of the Handicapped Act
Originally passed in 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) — also referred to as Public Law 94-142 — this legislation states that all public schools accepting federal funds must provide equal access to education for children with physical and/or mental disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This expanded special education to include services to infants and young children. This legislation also clarified the need for support for students as they transition from high school to post-school educational or vocational options. -
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The most comprehensive legislation protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, no matter their age. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The law held schools accountable for how children learned and achieved. The law was controversial in part because it penalized schools that did not show improvement. U.S. federal law aimed at improving public primary and secondary schools, and thus student performance, via increased accountability for schools, school districts, and states. -
Assistive Technology Act
The goal of this act was to provide assistive technology to persons with exceptionalities, so they can more fully participate in education, employment, and daily activities on a level playing field with other members of their communities. -
IDEA Improvement Act (IDEIA)
The purpose of IDEIA is to ensure that all special needs children are provided with an equitable chance at an education equal to their peers without disabilities. The new law preserves the basic structure and civil rights guarantees of IDEA but also makes significant changes in the law. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The law replaced its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, and modified but did not eliminate provisions relating to the periodic standardized tests given to students. Requires—for the first time—that all students in America be taught to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers.
