Special Education Law Timeline

By nikki218

  • Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

    Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
    1. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
    2. Although not specifically focused on special education, this decision set the stage for future legal battles by striking down the “separate but equal” doctrine in education.

  • P.A.R.C v. Pennsylvania (1972)

    P.A.R.C v. Pennsylvania (1972)
    1.Established the right to education for children with disabilities.
    2. Parents successfully challenged state laws that denied their children access to public education.

  • Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia (1972)

    Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia (1972)
    1. Ruled that children with disabilities had a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
    2. Emphasized the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs).

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973):

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973):
    1. This law prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs, including public schools. It requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.

  • The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), also known as Public Law 94-142,

    The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), also known as Public Law 94-142,
    1. The EAHCA laid the foundation for ensuring educational rights for children with disabilities, and its impact continues through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which succeeded it in subsequent reauthorizations. 2. The passage of the EAHCA marked significant progress toward developing and implementing effective programs and services for early intervention, special education, and related services.

  • Board of Education v. Rowley (1982)

    Board of Education v. Rowley (1982)
    1. Clarified that FAPE does not require schools to provide the best possible education, only an education that is reasonably calculated to enable meaningful progress.
    2. Introduced the concept of “educational benefit.”

  • Honig v. Doe (1988)

    Honig v. Doe (1988)
    1. The court ruled that students with disabilities cannot be expelled from school for behavior related to their disabilities. It reinforced the idea that schools must address behavioral issues through appropriate services rather than exclusion.

  • Timothy W. v. Rochester, New Hampshire, School District (1989)

    Timothy W. v. Rochester, New Hampshire, School District (1989)
    1.This case affirmed the right of students with disabilities to receive special education services even if their behavior poses challenges. It emphasized the importance of individualized support.
    2.This ruling clarified the rights of disabled students under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

  • IDEA 1990

    IDEA 1990
    1. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was reauthorized and renamed as the IDEA in 1990. This significant legislation aimed to support states and localities in protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of, and improving outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their families.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)
    1. Although not specific to education, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of public life, including education. It ensures equal access and reasonable accommodations.

  • IDEA Amendments of 1997

    IDEA Amendments of 1997
    1.Signed into law on June 4, 1997, these amendments strengthened academic expectations and accountability for the nation’s 5.8 million children with disabilities. They bridged the gap between what children with disabilities learn and what is required in regular curriculum

  • IDEA Reauthorization 2004

    IDEA Reauthorization 2004
    1.On December 3, 2004, President George W. Bush signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, a major reauthorization and revision of IDEA. While preserving the basic structure and civil rights guarantees, this law introduced significant changes.
    2. Notable provisions included accountability for student progress, early intervention strategies, transition planning, and the definition of “highly qualified” special education teachers .