-
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
In his ruling, Mr. Chief Justice Warren states, “In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal term” This ruling led special educators and parents to fight for their children's equality as well. -
Public Law 85-926
This law approved $1 million per year to universities, so they could continue to grow their staff and open new programs for training future special education teachers. -
Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia
The court ruled that all children should have access to a free public education and training appropriate to their learning capacities. -
P.A.R.C v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This case decided that students with a mental disability could not be denied public education. After this case, the state was required to evaluate and place all students with mental disabilities between the ages of 6-21in a proper publicly funded educational setting. This case and Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia helped lead to Public Law 94-142. -
Public Law 94-142
On November 30, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed into law the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. This law assured a free and appropriate education for all students with disabilities. -
Hudson v. Rowley
In this case the court decided an "appropriate education" does not mean it has to provide opportunity for the maximum possible achievement. -
Public Law 99-457
This law amended the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and provided incentives for states to develop early intervention programs for infants with known disabilities and those who are considered to be at risk. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was replaced with IDEA. This revision advocated for more research and technology development. It also led to transition programs for students after high school. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This act was signed into law by President H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. This act assured equal opportunity through, accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the decision in Hudson v. Rowley and decided in favor of Endrew F. stating, "a student offered an educational program providing "merely more than de minims" progress from year to year can hardly be said to have been offered an education at all". This case brought clarity to the meaning "appropriate education".
