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Plessy v. Ferguson
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine was constitutional. This event was significant in that it legitimized state laws re-establishing racial segregation and laid the groundwork for widespread discrimination in public education and other public services. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court established that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson. This was important to education in the United States in that it mandated the desegregation of schools, setting the stage for the civil rights movement and the beginning of the fight towards equity in education. This is important to me as an educator, because I firmly believe that all students, regardless of race, deserve to have the same opportunity for success. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This advanced education in the United States by allowing the federal government to enforce desegregation to maintain equality in the education system. This is important to me as an educator, because our differences in the classroom should be valued rather than acting as fuel for hatred and discrimination. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act addressed inequality in education by allocating more federal funds to schools serving low-income students. This was an important development in U.S. education in that it provided greater resources to schools in underserved communities, setting the foundation for the path towards educational equity. This is important to me, because educators need additional resources and funding to be able to fully support students that lack resources at home. -
Bilingual Education Act
This act allocated federal funding to bilingual education programs, while legally recognizing the needs of students with limited English proficiency. This act is important in that it was the first time that educational equity for immigrant and language-minority students was federally recognized. This is important to me, because I have many students that immigrated to the U.S., with little to no knowledge of the English language. These students need extra support in this transition. -
Plyler v. Doe
The U.S. Supreme Court established that all children, regardless of their citizenship, were entitled to a free public education. This landmark court case was important to education in that it mandated the following: even if children are immigrants, they still have a right to free public education. This is important to me, because it ensures that all of our many immigrants have the privilege of education, giving them an opportunity to break the cycle and succeed. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This act prohibited discrimination based on disability in all aspects of life, including in education. This was important to education in that it extended protections to students with disabilities by requiring schools to provide accommodations and tools for success. This is important to me, because I believe that all children, regardless of ability, deserve an education. This may look different, but nonetheless, students with disabilities should have the opportunity to accomplish great things. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This act required all public schools to provide a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. This act made a difference in education in that it ensured that children with disabilities had equitable access to educational opportunities. It also mandated that students have access to individualized education plans (IEPs). This is important to me, because it acknowledges that not all students learn at the same rate and in the same style. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This act reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It also introduced measures to hold schools accountable, including testing and greater reporting on student achievement. Although this act faced criticism due to its emphasis on standardized testing, it began to place priority on closing the achievement gap and creating equity. This is important to me, because all schools should be held to the same standards in providing their students with the best public education they can. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This act replaced No Child Left Behind and returned more control to the states while maintaining federal standards for accountability. This was important in that it continued to place emphasis on closing the achievement gap and gave states greater flexibility to address inequity. This is important to me, because it allows states to have more discretion based on the populations they serve. In California, for example, we need greater support for newcomers due to immigration for agriculture.