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Brown v. Board of Education
"The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional." (History.com, 2009). -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
"This act offered grants to districts serving low-income students, federal grants for textbooks and library books, funding for special education centers, and scholarships for low-income college students." (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). -
PARC v. Pennsylvania Board of Education
A lawsuit against Pennsylvania state for allowing public schools to deny providing an education for students with the "mentality lower than that of a five year old". The result was free public education to all students (The Public Interest Law Center, n.d.). -
Mills v. Board of Education
"The school board denied the admission of "exceptional" students into public schools with no alternative placement." (University of Michigan Law School, n.d.). -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Individuals with a disability will not be "excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance" (Center for Parent Information and Resources, n.d.). -
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
"It forbids the release of a student's records or personally identifiable information to unauthorized persons, but does not bar the disclosure of 'directory information'." (Special School District of St. Louis County, n.d.). -
Education of All Handicapped Children Act
"This ensures that handicapped children in public schools will get one free meal each school day and and will have just access to an education. The schools that must provide this are those that accept federal funds for operations." (Special Education News, n.d.). -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
"It gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications." (Special School District of St. Louis County, n.d.). -
Reauthorized ESEA to No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
"Schools must show that students are making 'adequate yearly progress' toward that goal. It also requires that all children be taught by 'highly qualified teachers', that communication improves with parents, and that schools are made safer. It sets high expectations for all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, family background or disability." (Special School District of St. Louis County, n.d.). -
Reauthorized Education of All Handicapped Students Act to IDEA
"This law ensures that special needs students receive appropriate free public education in the least restrictive environment necessary to meet those students’ needs. It helps students receive the extra assistance they need but allows them to participate in the same activities as children without special needs whenever possible." (Masters in Special Education Degree Program Guide, n.d.). -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
"It provides a unique opportunity for parents and families to give their input and to hold states and districts accountable for their children’s educational experience." (National PTA, n.d.).
