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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
Although this case did not directly deal with special needs in the classroom, it did create major changes in America's schools. Our Wood text says that information from this case was used to assist in other special education related cases. This ruling lead to the decision that children with disabilities cannot be excluded from schools. -
ESEA Amendments
Our textbook states that The Elementary and Secondary Act Amendments of 1965 gave permission for states to grant money to programs designed to help children with disabilities. Shortly after in 1967, the ESEA developed the Bureau of the Handicapped, which gave funds toward research in special education. -
Section 504
According to our textbook, the Rehabilitation Act was reauthorized in 1973, and part of this reauthorization included Section 504. Section 504 included the first civil rights for people with disabilities. This included rights to an education. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Our text says that the EAHCA made it mandatory for children with disabilities to be able to participate in public education. These students were guaranteed a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. -
Rowly v. Hendrick Hudson School District
According to the Bryant handout, this case determined that school districts are required to provide services in order for students with exceptionalities to get the greatest benefit possible from classroom instruction. This is significant because it's stating that not only are these students allowed into the schools, but they also have the right to get the most out of the education as possible. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA serves all eligible children with exceptionalities. The formation of the act included the addition of autism and traumatic brain injuries as exceptionalities. This law ensures that all children with disabilities will receive appropriate services. IDEA was reauthorized in 1997 and 2004 to include ADHD, behavioral issues, financial support, etc. The IDEA link has a lot of great information about this act. -
Doe v. Withers
The Bryant handout states that this case determined that teachers must be responsible to provide the accommodations listed on students' IEP's. This is significant because IEP's are thoughtfully and carefully planned out for each student with purpose to create the best learning environment for that individual. If teachers are not legally bound to follow them, they are doing a disservice to the student. -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind is significant because this act requires that all school children take mandatory testing in order to show proficiency in math and reading. More information can be found on the following link:
Public Education Network: NCLB
This is important to Special Education becanse there is debate about whether students with exceptionalities should be mandated to take these tests and be part of the data.
