Special Education Timeline

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    Brown v. Board of Education
    The Supreme Court ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This ruling established a precedent for equal educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
    The purpose of this act was to enhance educational equity for low-income students by providing federal funding.
  • Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    This case secured the right for children with intellectual disabilities to receive a free and appropriate public education.
  • Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia

    Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
    This case expanded the right to education to include all students with disabilities in the District of Columbia.
  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)

    Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)
    This act banned discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal financial assistance.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
    Known as Public Law 94-142, this act ensured that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
    This reauthorization of the EHA highlighted the significance of individualized education programs (IEPs) and transition services in schools.
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
    This act focused on closing the achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers by boosting accountability and raising standards.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
    This act took over from NCLB. It centers on maintaining the emphasis on accountability while granting states more flexibility in achieving educational standards.
  • Supreme Court Decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District

    Supreme Court Decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
    This ruling elevated the criteria for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under IDEA. It mandated that schools deliver an education that allow students to make progress suitable to their individual circumstances.