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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
Usually when people think of Brown v. Board of Education, we think of race. But it was used for a base of discrimination against all people in education. This court case was used as a precedent arguing that children who had disabilities should also not be discriminated in or from public education. This case was important because it was the beginning of integration in all aspects of education. In today's society, we still see the relevance of this case in the diversity in our classrooms. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
This act was passed to increase the funding that Elementary and Secondary schools were receiving from the government. With the increase of funds, schools were able to improve opportunities for students who had disabilities. This act is arguably one of the most important laws passed because it gave many students, especially students with disabilities a better chance at succeeding in their academic career. This act is most definitely applicable in our world today. -
Education of the Handicapped Act of 1975
The Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970 helped students with disabilities have access to education along with giving one free meal to students. Funding was provided to public schools to ensure that students with disabilities had access to both education and one free meal. This act allowed for students with disabilities to be apart of the public school system and to receive an education, along with the school helping to provide basic needs (the free meal). It is definitely applicable today! -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Coumbia
This case allowed the right to an education to all children with disabilities. It did not matter the degree of their disability, they were to be enrolled in public school and given the materials necessary to succeed. The judicial decision stated that it did not matter if financial resources were absent, the school would need to help. This court case has helped a lot of families who might not be financially able to provide educational tools for their children with disabilities. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The first civil rights law for people with disabilities! This law was aimed to protect children and adults against discrimination because of their disability. Schools must accommodate for students with disability so they are able to participate in educational services (modifications of gen. ed, behavior management plan, etc) This law was, and still is important for individuals with disabilities in education because they are not discriminated against in their learning environment, they can learn! -
The Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986
This act allows parent's whose children are handicapped to be awarded for attorney's fees, expenses, and costs when undergoing a civil suit to protect their child's right to a public education. This act is meant to improve the rights of children who are handicapped. I think this is an important law because a public education should be offered to every student. If a student does not receive an education because they are handicapped, a parent should not have to pay the fees to fight the system! -
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
No Child Left Behind literally means that no child is to be left behind. It's intentions were to level the playing field among all students. Every student was to have access to a fair and equal high quality education. Students, including those with disabilities, were to show their proficiency in math, reading and science. This is what is known as standardized testing. I think the intentions of this act were great, but standardized testing really only tests the teachers capabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
IDEA was passed to prepare students with disabilities for their future, whether it be a further education, independent living and/or employment. IDEA also wanted to protect the rights of the children and their parents. In order to accomplish this, Congress put more accountability on teachers. Teachers were expected to be highly qualified in order to be a Special Education teacher. This law is very applicable today, it has given so many opportunities with students who have disabilities. -
Winkelman v. Parma City School District
This court case gave more rights to the parent's of children with disabilities. Parents are now allowed to represent their child in IDEA-related court cases. Parents are now more involved in their children's education, which means that students are benefiting from getting more support from their family and are being represented by their parents. This case was really important and still is when it comes to advocating for the rights of children with disabilities. It is still very relevant today. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This act replaces No Child Left Behind Act. It is very similar to the NCLBA, it still requires standardized testing but it eliminates "high quality" teacher status and identifies low performance schools. For special education the act ensures students with disabilities access to general education, accommodations for assessments and use of universal design for learning principles. This act has given students with disabilities more opportunity and equality in public schools, which is very important
