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Elementary and Secondary Education Act
First education law to ensure that all students, especially the underprivileged, had an equal educational opportunity. Many individuals with disabilities were underprivileged. This was the first stepping stone to what special education is today. -
Education of the Handicapped Act
This law encouraged states to form programs for the education of those with disabilities. It was the first law to specifically address individuals with disabilities but was not implemented well. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Required non-discrimination of persons with disabilities in federally funded programs and activities. Schools were federally funded. Therefore, students were protected from discrimination based on their disability. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Began outlining provisions for special education programs. Students with disabilities began to receive a "real" education, as opposed to just being cared for in school. -
Hudson v. Rowley
Amy Rowley was a student who was deaf and attended Hendrick Hudson Central School District. Her parents felt that she would benefit more in school with a sign language interpreter. Because Amy was performing at or above her non-disabled peers, it was ruled that the school had provided an appropriate supports for her education. This court case defined the boundaries for schools to provide an appropriate education for students with disabilities. -
Handicapped Children's Protection Act
Gave parents more input into their child's education and their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This ensured that students with disabilities were receiving a quality education, tailored to them. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was renamed and amended to include research, support, and after high school and adult living transition services. This opened up educational and daily living opportunities for students with disabilities. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Required all places, except churches and private owned clubs, to employ non-discrimination for all persons with a disability, regardless of their federal funding status. It also required that adjustments be made ensure all buildings are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This ensured that schools were accessible to students with disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Amended
IDEA was amended to include that students with disabilities had access to the general education curriculum and highly qualified teachers. This is another way to ensure the quality of education for students with disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act's name changed and was amended to improve the quality of education for all student academics. This enforced that all teachers of special education were highly-qualified in special education, as well as, their core content. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
IDEA's name was changed and it was amended to include a state and local government accountability system. It also ensured better early intervention programs for young students with disabilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Despite its improvements in the education of all students, NCLB was overhauled because of certain aspects that were unattainable to schools. This law required better educational outcomes and assessment procedures for all students. This further increased the quality and quantity of educational opportunities for students with disabilities, as well as, all students. -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
The parents of Endrew F., a student with autism at Douglas County School District, felt he was not making significant progress and the proposed 5th grade IEP was similar to the year before. The district used the Hudson v. Rowley case to say that they had provided enough support in Endrew's education. However, the court ruled that a minimal progress from year to year was not enough. This expanded the boundaries for schools to provide quality education to students with disabilities.
