-
Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka
Supreme court case that ruled it unconstitutional to segregate individuals based upon race in the educational setting. The separate, but equal perspective was no longer deemed just. This case later influenced future disability legislation, including the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Act signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson who believed full educational opportunity should be the United States first goal. The act was a civil rights law that created equal opportunity for a diverse range of students by leveling the field in providing means to improve secondary and elementary education. The act offered grants to low-income students, federal grants for textbooks and library books, as well as grants for special education centers. -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
Court case that guaranteed no child could be denied a public education because of mental, behavioral, physical, or emotional handicaps or deficiencies. Assured that students with a disability could receive a public education. -
The Rehabilitation Act: Section 504
Civil rights law that guarantees protection to people with disabilities. Includes accommodations and services that a student needs as well as provides equal access to educational programs and activities. This act also forbids organizations and employers receiving federal financial assistance from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities equal access to program benefits and services. Likewise, it protects those with disabilities that are visible and those that are not, alike. -
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Act that protects and ensures the privacy and protection of students and families. FERPA gives parents and guardians certain rights regarding their child's education records. Acts such as this one are important to special education because they provide an atmosphere where students with disabilities or those receiving special education services are respected advocated for, and protected in a humane way and not ostracized. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children or Public Law 94-142
Law that was established so school aged individuals with disabilities were provided equal access to education. Such education is to be in the least restrictive environment, so that students with disabilities have the best opportunity to interact with students who do not have disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Revision to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. IDEA ensures that schools create an individualized education program (IEP) for students eligible for special education services. This is essential to special education because it ensures an ethical evaluation process is undergone, safeguards are present to protect the rights of students with disabilities, and promise of a free appropriate education be provided to children ages 3-21 no matter how disabled they may be. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Act that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas of society. For example, work place, public transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs/services. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
Most recent update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. NCLB holds schools accountable for academic progress of students. It puts an emphasis on boosting the performance of niche groups such as English Language Learners (ELL's), students in special education, minority and low income students. This is critical for the realm of special education because it lends way for an increase in higher, more intentional standards of services provided. -
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). ESSA requires that every state measure performance in reading, math, and science. The act also requires parents be provided pertinent information on test performance, standards, and results. Furthermore, it holds schools accountable for how students learn and strives to provide equal opportunity to all students (including those in special education services).