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Start of Special Education
The push for special education stems from the civil rights movement. Students with disabilities were often times segregated and ignored by the public. Through the help of advocacy groups, the education for exceptional students started to change. Special education started to transition from being a separate education program, to being integrated into the general education system. This change in education helped to create a more inclusive education system, but there was still a long way to go! -
Brown VS. Board of Education
The Brown V. Board of Education was monumental in helping end segregated education. During this case, it was argued that segregated schools were unequal, unjust, and deprived students of equitable education. Having segregated schools based on skin color was not acceptable. The court ruled that having segregated schools was unconstitutional. Because of this case, families of children with disabilities started to speak up. Schools should not be discriminating against children with disabilities. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act brought further attention to the inequality of educational opportunity. This act was able to establish a grant to assist in improving the education for students with disabilities. The grant helped to provide resources to help ensure that disadvantaged students had better access to quality education. -
The Two Cases that Changed it ALL!
In the 1970's two cases occurred that were pivotal to special education: PARC and Mills Vs. Board of Education. The PARC case created parent voice. It was ruled that educational placement decisions must include parental participation and a means to resolve any disputes. The Mill's case is responsible for ensuring that all students be given free public education. Exceptional students can NOT be denied a public education because of their disability. School funds need to be expended equitably. -
Is Change really happening?
After these monumental cases, congress wanted to investigate the educational conditions of children with disabilities. Through this investigation, congress found that change still needed to be made. So many cases brought light to the issues exceptional students faced, but nothing was changing. -
Public Law 94-142
Following their investigation, congress created The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. This act emphasized that children with disabilities have a right to education, and the education system must be held accountable for providing educational services to exceptional students. The creation of this act is what changed special education for the better. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This act was the updated version of the ESEA. This act created more accountability for schools in regards to student education and success. While the intention of this law was good, it had a negative effect on the education system because it penalized schools that did not show improvement based on standardized tests. -
Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004
Since 1975, congress continued to modify and adapt their special education laws. In 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities was amended once more with two primary purposes. The first being to provide education for exceptional students that helps prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. The second purpose was to ensure the protection of exceptional students and their parents. IDEA created specific qualifications/categories for special education. -
IDEA rules and regulations Summarized
There are 13 categories of disabilities. In order to qualify for special education services, the IEP team must determine that a student has one or more of the 13 disabilities, AND said disability must directly affect their educational performance. The other category listed includes the general rules/regulations for special education. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
President Obama created this new law to replace the No Child Left Behind Act. The main purpose of this law was to ensure that public schools are providing a quality education for all students. It also provides a more detailed way for how to measure student achievement. The goal of this act is to close achievement gaps, increase equity, improve quality instruction, and increase educational outcomes for all students. -
Current Status of Special Education
As a current teacher, I believe that Special Education has come a long way. I think that the number of students receiving special education has been steadily increasing over the years. On one hand, this is great because students are finally getting the equitable education that they need. On the other hand, I think the education system is lacking the resources to provide all of these accommodation. The amount of paper work, meetings, and accommodations created, are becoming too much for teachers. -
References Part 1
Anthony F. Rotatori, Festus E. Obiakor, & Jeffrey P. Bakken. (2011). History of Special Education: Vol. 1st ed. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. U.S. Department of Education. (1980) Laws & Guidance.
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/landing.jhtml?src=ft Wright, P. W. D., & Wright , P. D. (2021, October 18). The History of Special Education Law in the United States. Wright slaw Special Education Law and Advocacy. https://www.wrightslaw.com/law/art/history.spec.ed.law.htm -
References Part 2
Skiba, Russell J.; Simmons, Ada B.; Ritter, Shana; Gibb, Ashley C.; Rausch, M. Karega; Cuadrado, Jason; Choong-Geun Chung. (Spring 2008). Achieving Equity in Special Education: History, Status, and Current Challenges. Exceptional Children (Vol. 74 Issue 3, p264-288. 25p.) Understanding special education: A parent guide. Understanding Special Education: A Parent Guide. (n.d.). https://www.understandingspecialeducation.com/