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Brown v. Board of Education
Supreme court case where a federal judge ruled that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional.
This impacted special education today because it meant that people had a right to public education no matter race, disability, or gender. everyone had the right to be included in all classrooms. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Federal law mandating funds to elementary and secondary education. Was meant to improve and provide an equal opportunity for underprivileged children to receive a quality education. It also offered grants to schools serving low-income students. Title III provided special education classes in rural areas -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Requires that colleges make reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities so that they won't be discriminated against because of their disabilities. This could mean extra time on tests, distraction-free testing rooms, and volunteer note takers. This also applies to students who are in elementary, middle and high school. Although this doesn't guarantee free college to the students, it requires schools to have academic adjustments and accessible housing to students with disabilities. -
Education for all Handicapped Children Act (also known as PL 94-142)
Guaranteed a free appropriate public education to each child with a disability. Also to provide students with disabilities the appropriate educational services in the setting that maximizes their potential in the least restrictive environment. The impact was that it improved how students were identified and educated, made services accessible, protect the rights of the children and their parents, gave incentives for states to comply with the laws. -
Handicapped Children Protection Act of 1986
Ensured that teachers kept the parents of disabled children informed on what was going on with their child's education plan and allowed parents to speak up f they saw issues with it. It also adds a clause concerning legal costs for individuals who prevail in a lawsuit based on the EAHCA. This was a big impact on special education because it allowed for parents, teachers, and admins to work together to make sure the student is receiving the things needed in order to succeed academically. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA ensures the right of individuals with disabilities to nondiscriminatory treatment in other aspects of their lives like work, school, and public places. It protects you if you have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more life activities.
This was important because it allowed for your child to get the help they might need in school no matter their disability. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Formerly the EAHCA with some new amendments.The biggest change being that as part of a child's IEP, an individual transition plan must be developed to help the student transition into adulthood. another change was that TBI and autism were added as new disability categories. ages 3-21 qualified.
Students could now get an education geared toward their level of learning. There were individualized plans that catered to each student, since we know that no two disabilities are the same. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
An attempt to improve the academic performance of all students. through accountability in achieving academic proficiency, choice with parents, research based education, and flexibility with funds. It also required teachers be "highly qualified".
The impact it had on special education was that it offered incentives for schools to demonstrate progress for students with disabilities and allowed students to seek out alternative options if the schools weren't meeting their needs. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)- IDEA reauthorized
Changes made to the IEP, due process, and student discipline, Called for higher standards for special education teacher licenses/certifications, increased funding for early intervention services, and the use of RTI (Response to Intervention). Alignment with the NCLB act. It also established procedures and policies to prevent inappropriate over-identification representation by race or ethnicity. This meant that students were getting the correct diagnoses and therefore could get the proper help. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Replaced the NCLB act. Required that students with disabilities still take the assessments required by the states. It gives the states more control when it comes to standardized testing and consequences for low performance. It also included bully prevention plans, which impacts special education because studies show that students with disabilities are prone to being bullied in schools due to their disabilities.
