Special Education Timeline

By jessicamier
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    Special Education Timeline

  • Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

    Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
    • Supreme Court case that established segregated schools are unconstitutional
    • Not directly linked to Special Education but helped with equal education rights
    • Later helped with disability rights movements

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964

    Civil Rights Act of 1964
    • Prohibited discrimination by employers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or nationality.
    • Supported laws and efforts for equal rights
    • Helped provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities

  • Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965

    Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965
    • Provided federal funding for education
    • Helped close the achievement gap for disadvantaged students
    • Began federal involvement through funding and policies in education
    • Extended to students with disabilities

  • Elementary & Secondary Education Act Amendments of 1970

    Elementary & Secondary Education Act Amendments of 1970
    • Known as the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970
    • Federal funds helped states in educating children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment
    • First federal law that later helped with more laws on special education
    • Gave more access to education and individualized learning for students with disabilities

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)
    • Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs getting federal funds
    • Provided support against discrimination for individuals with disabilities
    • Helped with accommodations and accessibility in schools

  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)
    • Required free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment for all children with disabilities
    • Was renamed in 1990 to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
    • Ensures services and supports for children with disabilities

  • Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley (1982)

    Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley (1982)
    • Supreme court case that established policies for determining whether a school district has met tasks to provide free appropriate public education
    • Gave clarification that FAPE does not require the best possible education
    • An individualized education program (IEP) needs to be created to help a child receive the best educational benefit

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)
    • ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in jobs, schools, transportation, and public/private places that are open to anyone from the public
    • Gave more protection outside of federally funded programs
    • Helped to promote inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2004)

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2004)
    • A support of IDEA, IDEIA supported the role of parents in special education process
    • Gave access to general education curriculum for students with disabilities
    • Updated policies of IDEA to better address educational needs of student with disabilities

  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (2015)

    Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (2015)
    • Replaced No Child Left Behind and reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
    • Gave state flexibility, accountability, and support for underperforming schools
    • Continues to support inclusion and academic achievement of students with disabilities within the education system