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Department of Public Welfare vs. Haas Court Case
The Supreme Court of Illinois held that the exsisting compulsory attendance legislation didn't require the state to provide free public education to the "feeble minded." They argued that children who were "mentally deficient" could not benefit from a good education. This case turned the tables and changed opinions which led to the advocating for education of all students (Vaughn, 2014, pg. 4). -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
This Act protected and provided for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It allowed them to have equal access to the public education system. This act was later revised in 1970 to the Education of the Handicapped Act which continued support for state-run programs for individuals with disabilities (Vaughn, 2014, p. 4) -
Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Columbia Court Case
This case, along with the PARC (Pennsylvania Assocation for Retarded Children) court case from 1971, argued to keep children who are handicapped in public schools. The state had to provide alternative services for these students as well as periodic review of the child's status, progress, and the quality of education they were receiving. The court required that schools decribe the curricula, objectives, teacher qualifications, and supplemental services that were needed (Vaughn, 2014, pg. 4). -
Honig vs. Doe Court Case
This court case benefited individuals with emotional disorders and behavior disorders who have social and academic problems. The case ruled that schools could not expel students for behaviors related to their disability. This case helps to keep those students in school, regardless of their sometimes uncontrolable behaviors (Vaughn, 2014, pg. 4). -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This Act replaced the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (EAHCA). This Act established the people first language, extended special education services, added autism and traumatic brain injury as categories of disability, required state to provide bilingual education programs and to educate students with disabilities for transition to employment. This act added a lot the original EAHAC Act, for the better of students with disabilities (Vaughn, 2014, pg. 6). -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This Act prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector. It also protects equal opportunity for people with disabilties in relation to employment, public services, accomodations, transportation, and telecommunications. In addition, this act added people with AIDS to the definition of disability (Vaughn, 2014, pg. 6). -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
This Act was responsible for improving the performance of America's elementary and secondary schools. It also made sure no student was stuck in a failing school. This act increased accountability, school choice, and provided greater flexibility for states, school districts, and schools. This act not only helped the general student population but students with exceptionalities as well (Vaughn, 2014, pg. 5). -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
This Act included the use of RTI (Response to Intervention) to determine if a child has a disability, increased federal funds to provide early intervention services, rids the use of short-term objectives in an IEP, and raises standards for special education licensure. Lastly, this act adopted policies that prevents under representation of students in special education by race and ethnicity (Vaughn, 2014, pg. 7).
