Special Education Law Timeline

  • Council for Exceptional Children

    Elizabeth Farrell first president of the council. Goals were to "unite those interested in educational problems of 'special children', to emphasize the education of 'special children' and to establish professional standards for teachers in the field of special education" (CEC, 2002)
  • National Association for Retarded Citizens (The ARC)

    A group of parents and individuals united creating this organization, which "was committed to altering perceptions of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to educate parents a nd other regarding the potential of people with intellectual and physical disabilities" (TheARC, 2016)
  • Brown vs Board of Education

    Landmark court case that found that segregation violated the 14th Amendment, and then allowed integration within the shcols. It opened the door for all people, including those with disabilities, to find legal protection on the path to obtaining a fair and just education.
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

    Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, and was considered a Civil Rights law from the beginning, It provided federal relief to the educational districts that were in need of funding for special educational services, as well as other areas.
  • Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA)

    Ensured that handicapped children were provided with very similar opportunities within the schools that able bodied students received. Gave parent the opportunity to ensure their children had access to a free and appropriate education.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Civil Rights law that protects individuals with disabilities and ensures that a child with disability recieves equal access to an education, with modifications if needed.
  • The Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

    Ensured the protection of the rights and privacy of parents and students in an educational setting.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    A reauthorization of EHA , and provided students with disabilities with the same educcational opportunities as students without disabilities. Consisted of IEP, FAPE, LRE and other legally protected subdivisions.
  • IDEA 1997

    "Strengthens academic expectations and accountability for the...children with disabilities". It also ensures a more equal education for those with disabilities. Effectiveness of services needed proof.
  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

    A reauthorization of ESHA act which supported standard based educational reform and accountability. It provides Title 1 services to those students at a disadvantage.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA)

    Designed to increase the academic success of special education students with more emphasis on accountability and measurable goals,