Special Education: A Historical Perspective

Brown vs. Kansas Board of Education

Oct 1, 1954

Separation of Black and White students is unconstitutional.

ESEA Elementary Secondary Education Act - signed by LB Johnson

Apr 9, 1965

War on poverty - equal access to all children.

PARC Vs. Commomwealth of Pennylvania

Oct 9, 1971

Pennsylvania students with disabilities allowed in public state institutions.

Mills Vs. DC Board of Education

Dec 17, 1971

DC cannot deny exceptional students in public schools, including those with mental and learning disabilities and behavioral issues

Mills Vs. District of Columbio Board of Education

Jan 1, 1972

Children education denied disabilities- mental and behavioral.

Public Law 94-142

Nov 29, 1975

Gerald Ford signs : All Handicap Children Act - allow children with diasabilities in schools and provide meal.

Public Law 99-457

Oct 8, 1976

All children born with disabilities provide state support

Handicapped Children’s Protection Act

Aug 6, 1986

IEP given more input from parents signed by R. Reagan

Public Law 101-476

Jan 1, 1990

Traumatic Brain Injury and Autism were added disabilities (IEP develpment ) amendment.

IDEA by Clinton reauthorized.

Jun 4, 1997

The Education for all Handicapped Children’s Act became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. President Clinton i.e. reauthorized IDEA with several key amendments.