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History of Special Education
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Brown V Board of Education
In 1954 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state laws establishing segregation in public schools are unconstitutional. Prior to this case, everyone was "separate but equal". After they deemed this unconstitutional it meant that all students should be allowed to attend any public school and that there would no longer be any segregation in schools.
Brown v Board of Education Video -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act provided federal funding to help disadvantaged students have access to a quality education. It was especially helpful in allowing students with disabilities have access to an education and paved the way for other programs designed for students with disabilities.
ESSEA -
PARC v Commonwealth of PA
Pennsylvanie Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was the first right-to-education suit in the country, it secured a quality education for all children even those with disabilities. It actually ruled that students with disabilities should be placed in a public funded school setting that met their educational needs based on evaluation, similar to the evaluation and IEP process we have now.
PARC v Commonwealth -
Mills v Board of Education DC
In this case, the court ruled that students classified as “exceptional” – including those with mental and learning disabilities and or behavior difficulties, could not be denied access to a publicly funded education.
Mills v Board of Education -
Education for Handicapped Children
The Education for all Handicapped Children act required all schools accepting federal funding to provide access to education for all children regardless of their disabilities.
Education for all Handicapped Children Act -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in public areas such as employment and public transportation. This law ensures that people with disabilities have access to the same rights and opportunities as other nondisabled people.
ADA Website
ADA Video -
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA mandates a free and appropriate public education to all eligible children with disabilities and ensures special education programs and related services to support those children.
IDEA
IDEA Need to Know -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act was an update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The goal of NCLB was to provide more education opportunities for students. It focused on students in poverty, students of color, students receiving special education services, and students who speak and understand limited or no English.
No Child Left Behind Explained -
IDEA Improvements
President Bush signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act which continued to guarantee the civil rights of IDEA but also called for early intervention for students, greater accountability, and improved educational outcomes. It even raised the standards for special education teachers.
IDEA 2004 -
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every student Succeeds Act or ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. States also have to to develop a “State Report Card” that provides parents with important information on test performance. The goal is to create more transparency between the education system in each state and parents. Low performing schools are given additional support.
Every Student Succeeds Act