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Brown v. Board of Education
Although dealing with race, this case was the first to influence special eduction. The Supreme Court's ruling that school segregation was unconstitutional even if the facilities were "separate, but equal." This decision led to the expanded understanding that all people have a right to a public education. -
Community Mental Health Act
The Community Mental Health Act provided federal funding to train professionals on working with children with exceptionalities and for research and demonstration for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and deafness. Signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, this act resulted in some deinstitutionalization and led to years of legislation that provided further access for children with exceptionalities. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
As part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty," this law was intended to provide equal access to quality education for all students. Federal funds were provided and were to be used to emphasize high standards and accountability in primary and secondary education. Funds were use to promote professional development, improve instructional materials, and encourage parental involvement. Various amendments were added to bring focus to students with disabilities. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
In this case, the court decided children with IDD could not be excluded from school and did have a high to FAPE. Schools were deemed responsible for provided appropriate programs to children with exceptionalities. -
Mills v. Board of Education
This case ruled the absence of funds is not an excuse for not providing appropriate educational services to students with exceptionalities. When schools lack funds, all programs should be cut back. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
This law bridges the gap between general and special education by providing students with needs, who may not meet the criteria for IDEA 2004, with support. Additionally, the act declares it illegal to deny someone from participating in activities or programs solely because of a disability. Examples of problems that may qualify for support under Section 504 include, failing grades, pattern of suspensions, and chronic misbehavior. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act took effect in 1977 and was intended to ensure all children with exceptionalities have access to free public education which emphasizes special education and provides services to meet their needs. The federal government provided the states with a large sum of money, but in return the states had to provide evidence that they were doing their best to accommodate the students' needs. Initially, many educators protested the governments newfound involvement in special education. -
Larry P. v. Riles
The court ruled that children should not be labeled as "handicapped" or placed into special education without proper diagnosis that considers possible cultural and linguistic factors. -
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments
As it became increasingly clear that early intervention was necessary for children with exceptionalities, these amendments were enacted to allocate federal funds for states to develop programs for children and their families from birth on. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This law was intended to ensure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. This civil rights law prohibits discriminating against people with exceptionalities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and any other places that are open to the general public. -
No Child Left Behind Act
Part of the George W. Bush administration, this piece of legislation was a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and was enacted to hold educators and administration responsible for ensuring students obtain a minimum level of competency. This law requires schools to provide test data to prove their effectiveness. Assessments and learning goals have been adapted to the needs of children with exceptionalities in order for them to be included. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004
IDEA 2004 is the reauthorization of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. One major change stated that special education teachers must be licensed and state certified and show proof of the effectiveness in the classroom. Additionally, IEPs and transition planning must be enforced by schools to fully support children with exceptionalities. This act provided federal funds to support training and research that would improve the education system for those with disabilities. -
ADA Amendments Act
Most notably, this act changed the broadened definition of the term "disability" which increased the number of individuals protected under the ADA and other federal nondiscriminatory laws. -
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
In an attempt to ensure the long-time economic health of the U.S. after the 2008-9 recession, this law provided one time federal funds to the states to improve the delivery and quality of early intervention services. These funds were directed to activities, such as Child Find, to improve accountability of delivery of service for children with disabilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Serving as a revised replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act, this law focuses on necessary provisions to ensure success for all students. Schools are required to teach specific academic standards which are tested for effectiveness during annual statewide assessments. Furthermore, there is a focus on communication between schools, families and communities and actions are be made to creative positive change in lower performing schools.
