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Elementary and Secondary Education Act (PL 89-10)
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides services and supports to low-income families. This act ensures that all families have access to high quality education programs regardless of their financial status. The ESEA can assist with free and reduced lunch programs as well as support those who need additional support to thrive in the public school setting. This act is important because it shifted high quality education from just privileged families to anyone who wanted it. -
Educational Amendments Act (PL 93-380)
The Educational Amendments Act of 1974 grants federal funding and state programs for schools and students who qualify as gifted and talented. This act also implements a due process that must be followed when placing a student in special education. The Educational Amendments Act is important because it implements that students receiving special education are treated appropriately as well as fund appropriate education for students who are excelling in school. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142, Part B)
The implementation of the EAHCA made leaps and bounds for students with disabilities. This act placed the requirement for special education tools such as IEP's, mainstreaming students, free and appropriate education, and least restrictive environment. This act is of the utmost importance because it became a framework for other acts such as IDEA and special education as we know it today. The implementation of IEP's and mainstreaming students have show to have positive effects on all students. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (PL 101-336)
The Americans with Disabilities Act required that all individuals be given an equal opportunity to work, for transportation, and accommodation regardless of their disability. This act made it so no one in the public or private sector could discriminate based on disability and must be accommodated if a disability requires accommodation. The ADA is an important piece of legislation because it grants the same opportunities to those with disabilities as those who have also had such opportunities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Educaiton Act (PL 101-476)
IDEA was created to replace the EAHCA and to create better schools and learning opportunities for students with a disability. This act was the first to establish people-first language as well as add autism and TBI's as a disability category. IDEA also required education programs for English language learners as well as programs to assist students with skills necessary for transition to employment. This act is extremely important because it helps students be prepared for the rest of their lives. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL 105-17)
In 1997 IDEA was revised and added new supports for students with disabilities. The new IDEA stated that even though a student with an IEP had been expelled, they are still to receive services that will assist them in their education. It also required that schools work to mainstream students when in their LRE. The new IDEA also requires more cooperation between general and special education teachers as well as the need for a behavior management plan for a student with behavior problems. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
The NCLB was an act put into place by President George W. Bush. This act implements reading interventions early in the student's education as well as increased school and state accountability for all students, including those with disabilities and of diverse populations. The NCLB act also allows families to choose the school district their child will attend. This act is important because it holds schools accountable for the education of all students. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (PL 108-446)
The IDEIA raises the bar for educators to help ensure all students get the education they need. This act puts the RTI model into place for not only students with disabilities, but for all students. It also increases funding for early interventions to assist students before they are referred to special education. The IDEIA also focuses on long term outcomes for students with an IEP and on their future success. This act is extremely important for all students by getting them all early supports.
