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Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka
While not specifically addressing special education, the decision to desegregate schools opened up the conversation about equal and quality education for all students (Wood, 2006, p.6) -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Ammendments of 1965
These ammendments "authorized the first state-level grant program specifically for children and youth with disabilities" (Wood, 2006, p.6). -
Bureau of the Handicapped established
In 1967, the Bureau of the Handicapped was established as part of the U.S. Department of Education. The job of the Bureau was to manage and distribute funds for "research, education, and training in special education" (Wood, 2006, p.6). -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
In 1973, the Rehabilitation Act (orginally crated for wonded soldiers and injured workers) provided the first civil rights protections for people with disabilities, including education. This meant that the educational needs of students with disabilities needed to be met "as adequately as the needs of nondisabled persons" (Wood, 2006, p.7). -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act passed
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) stated that all children with disabilities had access to public schools and set in place standards and safeguards for students' participation (Wood, 2006, p.8). -
Ammendments of EAHCA established Early Intervention Program
The EACHA established the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities in 1986. This program implemented state-run systems that made early intervention services available to all children with disabilities from birth to age 3 (Wood, 2006, p.9). -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits the discrimination of persons with disabilities regarding hiring, recruitment, advancement, and termination of those with disabilities. This Act also applies to physical accessability of schools and integrated settings for services (Wood, 2006, p.19). -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act passed
"No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act was the reauthorization of the ESEA" (Wood, 2006, p.19). NCLB required standards to be developed for grades 3 to 8, as well as high school, specifically in reading, math, and science. States must also set goals for students and schools and show proof of yearly progress. NCLB also reiterates the includsion of students with disabilities in state- or district-wide testing.
