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Brown vs. Board of Education
This was a combination of five cases that overturned Plessy v. Ferguson. The Supreme Court unanimously voted that the "separate but equal" doctrine was unconstitutional. This was a fundamental step for public education and civil rights. This was a pertinent step in the right direction for children's mental health, social skills, and allowing children and educational staff to treat others as equal. Description: (National Archives, 2021) Image: (The Federalist, 2018) -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act ( ESEA)
This law was created to strengthen the US elementary and secondary schools by improving the quality and opportunities available. The Federal Government was now involved in State and Local run schools. ESEA was key to President Johnson's fight on the "war of poverty". It improved and provided equal and quality education to low-income families, children with disabilities, and rural schools. Description: (Center for the Study of Federalism, 2018) Image: (VCU, 2016) -
Improving America's Schools Act (IASA)
President Clinton signed this law that reauthorizes ESEA. IASA created high standards for the children that focused on learning and teaching. This act provided professional development and financial resources to provide an equal and quality education. A few things the Act amended or authorized were Title 1, bilingual and immigrant education, technology resources, public charter schools, etc... Description: (Stedman, 1994) Image: (Markey, 1997) -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
President George W. Bush signed this Act to into law, it reauthorizes ESEA. NCLB put more accountability on the teachers, the schools, and the districts for what the children learned and achieved through yearly assessments. The scores affected funding for the schools if they didn't show improvement. NCLB did bring more equality to disadvantaged students (students of color, disability, poverty, and English as a second language). Description: (Congress, 2001). Image: (EdWeek, 2015) -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Barack Obama signed ESSA into law, which reauthorized ESEA and NCLB. For the first time, it was required that all Americans be taught to high standards, so they can succeed in a career or college. ESSA protects the disadvantaged students, high needs students, and the low-performing schools so they can be successful. There are still yearly assessments that show the students improvement and holds the educators accountable. Description: (US Dept of Education) Image: (USA Today, 2015)