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Brown v. Board of Education
This groundbreaking legislation declared the segregation of students as unequal & unconstitutional. It served as leverage for parents with disabled children to advocate for the inclusion of disabled students in school, which would provide better educational opportunities for ALL children. Therefore, this court ruling's impact extended beyond race, as it ultimately challenged the segregation of disabled students. Watch this! -
Mainstreaming Students With Disabilities
During this era, students with disabilities began receiving opportunities for "normal" classroom experiences where they could visit general education classes. However, they did not receive traditional instruction. This was referred as "mainstreaming students." -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act's Section 504 was the first disability civil rights law in the United States. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. 504 plans today may include special accommodations for testing, educational environments, etcetera. Check this out! -
Inclusion Movement
The 1980s saw the emergence of the inclusion movement where students with disabilities were incorporated more into general education classrooms. Yet, controversy existed and still continues today regarding inclusion. Nonetheless, the fight for conclusion predates the commencement of the official "Inclusion Movement." For example, Brown v. BOE inspired families to fight for the inclusion of students with disabilities. Check this out! -
Regular Education Initiative
This initiative sought to adapt services for students with disabilities by integrating these students fully into regular classrooms to provide all students with the same opportunities & appropriate support simultaneously. Yet, students' needs were still not being met while they were not making sufficient academic progress. For more information regarding this subject, mainstreaming, & inclusion visit this. Check this out -
No Child Left Behind
This law sought to hold all students at higher standards regardless of their mild disabilities. It focused upon the implementation of research-based teaching methods, employment of highly qualified teachers, and accountability. It was ultimately replaced in 2015 with the Every Student Succeeds Act, which still highly emphasizes the accountability of all educators and the education system itself. Check this out! -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA)
According to a PBS article, "Inclusive education is a child’s right, not a privilege." This specific legislation has evolved, as there have been multiple amendments (1990, 1992, 1997, 2004). It requires students with disabilities to be educated with non-disabled students. Such students have more opportunities for attending college & employment. The following article emphasizes the benefits of an inclusive education: Check this out!
