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Brown v. Board of Education
Linda Brown was denied entry into a school because of her race. The case was taken to court where it was ruled that it was unconstitutional to have segregated schools. This event helped the Civil Rights movement immensely as it set into motion for other places to no longer be able to discriminate against race. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
A group of parents of children with disabilities went to court because their children were being denied access to a public education. The court ruled that it was a violation of their rights and they should be granted the same access to a public education that targets their needs like every other student. -
Mills v. Board of Education
Similar to the case in 1971, a group of children with disabilities were not getting an education that targeted their needs. The court ruled that denying the children an education that fits their needs was unconstitutional. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
In 1973 the Rehabilitation Act was passed which states that people may not be discriminated against based on a disability. This Act had a big impact not only in education, but also in access to public services as well as employment. It also covered accessibility and accommodations. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Similar to 504 but focusing on education, EAHCA states that all students with disabilities reserve the right to be provided a free and inclusive education that targets their identified needs. It had procedures in place for being able to identify and evaluate children that had disabilities to ensure they got the proper education. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Expanding on the rehabilitation act, this not only prohibited discrimination in federally funded areas, but in all public areas. While not specifically for education, this Act aimed to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities across as many spaces and helped lay the groundwork for future legislations. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA expanded the amount of resources available as well as access for students with developmental delays. It introduced transition services so they would be able to live as independently as they could. As well as reinforced the importance of IEPs and involved the parents in this process. -
IDEA Amendments
In 1997 IDEA was amended. It aimed to include disabled students in the same curriculum as their classmates as much as possible. As well as Including them in state assessments and allowing them access to modified versions depending on their individual needs. -
IDEA Reauthorization
Aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act. Set requirements for teachers of students with disabilities. Early intervention and Response to Intervention was introduced, with the idea that starting support earlier can minimize the need for special education services in the future. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This act shifted a lot of the control over to states and local levels of education. While federal assessments are still required, additional forms of assessment are encouraged to measure student success. ESSA also placed a larger emphasizes on students learning English and getting them the proper education and resources they need to support their learning.