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In the beginning
Before a strong government intervention, many students were excluded from proper education settings based upon their disability. A large portion of the problem was the inaccurate labeling of individuals. -
Period: to
50's & 60's
The base for a strong education system was initiated be the federal government in the 50’s and 60’s, with the help of the families involved and associations such as ARC. They began to validate and lay foundations for the implementation of effective education programs. -
Period: to
Key Early Federal Legislation
Captioned Films Act, Training of Professional Personnel Act and The Teachers of the Deaf Act -
1965
In 1965 the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and The State Schools Act provided states with grant assistance to help educate those with disabilities. -
1967
Before Government intervention, many individuals were destined to end up in state institutions. In 1967 over 200,000 were housed in this way. -
Training
Federal government had supported training for more than 30,000 special education teachers and specialists -
Lack of help
By 1970 the numbers supported a slow increase in help, with only one in five receiving appropriate attention -
Constitution
The Pennsylvania association for retarded citizens vs the commonwealth and Mills vs board of education district of Columbia established a responsibility amongst states that every child should have the right to be educated and this is protected under the 14th amendment of the constitution. -
Opening Doors
The Handicapped Children’s early education assistance act and the Economic Opportunities Amendments began to open doors for children with disabilities and their children. -
Public Law 94 - 142
Public law 94 – 142 is passed stating that every child with a disability is guaranteed a free and appropriate education. Known as the Education for the Handicapped act -
Congress
1975 congress enacts the “Education for all handicapped children act” which is also used to support states and localities in helping children with special needs and their families. -
Environment
1980’s saw a drive in the need to educate individuals in the least restrictive environment, the Badger School in Wisconsin was at the forefront of this. -
1980
Saw a movement towards research for the minority handicapped to provide culturally relevant assessment. -
Period: to
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates for students with disabilities increased by 14%. -
3-21
The law was changes from 3-21 years of age, to the age of birth -
IDEA
The act was changed to IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Act -
Support
Idea supports that all initiatives must be put in place for the transition beyond school, especially within a students IEP and should begin at the age of 14 -
Reports
IDEA mandates that schools must report students progress as regularly as they report the progress of regular students. -
Period: to
200,000
Today, almost 200,000 infants and toddlers receive and nearly 6 million children receive special education. Students are also now being educated in their local schools and not secluded environments. This all contributes to higher post grad employment. -
Since the 50's
Through strides taken since the 50’s, The USA is one of the world leaders in education for those with special needs -
The Future
To be continued
