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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
This specific court case rules "separate but equal" as unconstitutional (was used specifically for race), and is the ruling that is used to fight for educational rights for children with disabilities. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This court case give students with disability ages 6-21 years the right to a free education, that includes integration and parent participation. Preschool services must also be provided for those with a disability. -
Lau v. Nichols
This court case ensures that special language programs are provided for those who do not have an understanding of English. The decision was based off of the idea that providing the same textbooks, teachers, and other school based programs was not effective if the student did not understand the language it was being taught in. -
Tatro v. State of Texas
This court case specified that related services are provided if they in turn benefit the special education of the student. -
Armstrong v. Kline
This court case shows that it is unconstitutional for a state to refuse to pay for extended schooling (summer school). Studies show that the prolonged break for some students with special needs can hinder their educational progression. -
Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
This court case ruled that a proper education cannot be measured on creating maximum achievement for those with a disability, but instead on providing those in need with the right sources so that they may be able to succeed. -
Daniel R.R. v. State Board of Education
This court case rules that severe special needs kids will find appropriate placement in a separate classroom. Integrating those with severe needs will sometimes hinder their right to a least restrictive environment. A two pronged test is used to determine the level of integration. -
Oberti v. Board of Education of the Borough of Clementon School District
This court case rules that a student must be integrated into a classroom and provided with aid or services that they need to succeed before they can be segregated. Essentially a special needs student cannot be excluded because of how it could potentially affect the curriculum or the way a teacher teaches. -
Schaffer v. Weast
This court case shows that those, the party "seeking relief", must be the party to prove the need for an individualized education program for a child seeking special education. -
Forest Grove School District v. T.A.
This court case ruled that a parent can seek reimbursement for the tuition of a private school if the student received special education in their public school, but the private school provided a more appropriate education in terms of meeting the needs of the student.