Special ed cover photo word cloud

Chapter 1 Activity: Special Education Law Timeline

By teapott
  • 1954 – Brown v. Board of Education

    1954 – Brown v. Board of Education

    This case said, “Separate isn’t equal!” Even though it was about race, it helped open the door for students with disabilities to fight for their place in public schools too. #EqualityForAll!
  • 1971 – Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    1971 – Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    A group of parents said, “Hey! Our kids with disabilities deserve an education too!” The court agreed, and this case proved that schools couldn’t just shut out students with intellectual disabilities.
  • 1972 – Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia

    1972 – Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia

    D.C. schools were like, “We don’t have money to help students with disabilities,” but the court said, “Too bad!” Every kid has a right to go to school, no matter what.
  • 1973 – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    1973 – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    This was the first big win for disability rights. It said schools that get federal money (which is most of them) can’t discriminate against students with disabilities. Period.
  • 1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)

    1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)

    This law was the game-changer! It said all kids with disabilities must get a free, appropriate education (FAPE), learn in the least restrictive environment (LRE), and have their own learning plan — the IEP.
  • 1990 – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) replaces EAHCA

    1990 – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) replaces EAHCA

    EAHCA got a glow-up and was renamed IDEA! It added support for students with autism and brain injuries, and said schools had to help students get ready for life after high school. #Adulting, here we come!
  • 1997 – IDEA Amendments of 1997

    1997 – IDEA Amendments of 1997

    This update made sure students with disabilities could be part of the regular classroom and take state tests with everyone else. Also, parents got more say. Because teamwork makes the dream work!
  • 2001 – No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    2001 – No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    Not a special ed law, but it said ALL students, including those with disabilities, should be learning and making progress. Schools had to show results, not just promises.
  • 2004 – IDEA Reauthorization (IDEA 2004)

    2004 – IDEA Reauthorization (IDEA 2004)

    This version brought in Response to Intervention (RTI) – basically, schools had to try different teaching methods before labeling a student. It also pushed for early help and better-trained teachers.
  • 2017 – Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District

    2017 – Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District

    The Supreme Court said, “IEPs can’t just aim for the bare minimum.” Kids with disabilities deserve real progress and real goals that fit their needs. No more slacking..
  • Period: to

    2020s – Ongoing focus on inclusion, equity, and access through digital tools and remote learning platforms, especially during/after COVID-19.

    Schools started using more tech to help students with disabilities learn, especially after the pandemic.