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Brown v. Board of Education
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka Brown, a parent filed a lawsuit against a Kansas school board for denying his child access to an elementary school. Brown was a colored man who was fighting for a desegregated school environment for all children. Brown also argued that separate facilities were not at all equal. With time, this case went to court in Kansas because Brown believed that this racial segregation went against the 14th amendment. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/programs/education/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-of-1965/ The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was set into place with the intention of providing equal opportunity for everyone to receive quality education. ESEA also attempted to reduce the gap between students with low and high economic backgrounds. Throughout time, there were many issues regarding funding. In recent times, ESEA has been improved and updated. -
Institutions Before and During the 1970's
http://disabilityjustice.org/reform-and-closing-of-institutions/ Before and during the 1970's, people with disabilities were confined to living in separate institutions. These institutions did not allow or promote independence. Instead, basic needs were not met and people were treated inhumanly. Numerous lawsuits addressing the mistreatment of these people in institutions took place, but resulted in minimal change. -
Rehabilitation Act
https://www.askearn.org/topics/laws-regulations/rehabilitation-act/ The Rehabilitation Act contributed to the advancement of people with disabilities in the workforce. People with disabilities were now accepted into work environments if they were qualified for the job position. If a person needed reasonable accommodations to complete job duties and was qualified, that person could have an equal opportunity to seek the work position. -
Education For All Handicapped Children Act
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/94/s6/summary Before 1975, children with special needs were not required to attend school. In 1975, students with special needs were finally evaluated, and were given the support people during this time felt was appropriate. Public schools were mandated to allow students with disabilities into the school system. Federal funding was available, free meals were provided, and education to all students was belived to be fair and appropriate. -
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
https://adata.org/learn-about-ada The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits any discrimination against people with disabilities in all public and private areas. Such areas include school, work, and transportation. This law allows people with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to become an active member of society. -
No Child Left Behind Act
https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/policy-explainers/early-ed-prek-12/federal-education-legislation/essa/nclb/ No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was introduced to increase accountability for students in schools. Assessing students became a common practice, along with reporting these assessment scores publicly. English language arts and mathematics were subject areas that were tested annually for students in specific grade levels. George W. Bush signed for this law to be in place. -
IDEA 2004
https://www.cec.sped.org/Policy-and-Advocacy/Current-Sped-Gifted-Issues/Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act/A-Primer-on-the-IDEA-2004-RegulationsIDEA The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was updated for adjustments. Schools were no longer able to rely on IQ scores to determine placement. Instead, students were further evaluated for specific disabilities. The amount of paperwork for teachers decreased. Other changes were made pertaining to alternative assessments. -
Every Student Suceeds Act (ESSA)
https://www.ed.gov/esea The Every Student Suceeds Act (ESSA) was a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ESSA enforces state-wide assessments to occur, so students and teachers are more accountable. Through the use of assessments, students' progress is monitored. Each student is now able work towards achieving high goals and standards. Graduation rates are also increasing and more students are choosing to attend college.
