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Brown v. Board of Education
Known as the case which declared "Separate is NOT equal". This case is more commonly associated with racial segregation but also addressed separation between special and general education students.
National Archives and Records Administration. (2021, November 22). Brown v. Board of Education (1954). National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education -
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Special Education Milestones in Law
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Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The ESEA is an act passed by president Lyndon B Johnson which allowed more state funding towards programs for students with disabilities. While this act did not enforce education for students with disabilities, it gave public schools grants to expand special education programs.
Skinner, R. (2022, April 20). The elementary and secondary education act ESEA... Congressional Research Service. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R45977.pdf -
In the Mils v. Board of Education of the District of Colombia
This was lawsuit filed against the District of Columbia for denying education for students who they referred to as "exceptional." This included students who had mental and learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. This result of this case deemed that denying education to these students is unlawful
Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia,... Justia U.S. Law. (2018). Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/348/866/2010674/ -
Section 504
Section 504, a part of the Rehabilitation Act, provides protection from discrimination of students with special needs and education. This is the first law specific to special education which provides protection to students who require special needs.
What is a 504 plan. Understood Team. (2022). Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-a-504-plan -
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
This federal law gave parental permission to access or review their child's education records. Parents could also amend any records which are considered inaccurate or violates their privacy. This law is significant to special education because it offers confidentiality.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Family educational rights and privacy act (FERPA). Public Health Professionals Gateway. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/ferpa.html -
Least Restrictive Environment
This act ensured that students with special needs can be a part of as many regular education classes as possible. This allowed special education students to have more social experiences. U.S. Department of Education. (2017, May 3). SEC. 300.114 LRE requirements. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/b/300.114 -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act ensured that ALL students with disabilities are provided education in public schools. This act also included free (special) education, zero reject, and supplemental services like one free meal a day. H.R.7217 - Education For All Handicapped Children Act. congress.gov. (2022). Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/94th-congress/house-bill/7217 -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Like Section 504, the ADA promises protection against discrimination of individuals with special needs in AND outside of public schools. President George W. Bush signed this act which promises those with special needs the same opportunities and rights as anyone else. What is the Americans with disabilities act (ADA)? ADA National Network. (2022, July). Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://adata.org/learn-about-ada -
No Child Left Behind Act
Pres. George W. Bush signed this law which states that all students need to be proficient in mathematics and English/language arts. In order to receive funding, schools needed to administer assessments to verify improvement, however, this act was not as successful as many schools were deceitful.
Klein, A. (2020, December 7). No child left behind: An overview. Education Week. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/no-child-left-behind-an-overview/2015/04 -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Revision
The original (1990s) act replaced the EAHCA and is composed of six elements: FAPE, LRE, IEP, evaluation, parent/student participation, and all procedural safeguards. 2004 revision pulled focus away from a disability and onto the individual.
Digital, A. (2020, March 26). Individuals with disabilities education act. Brain Injury Association of America. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-policy/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act