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The Science of Education
Jean Piaget's book with his Learning Cycle model helps to popularize discovery-based teaching appraches, particularly in the sciences. -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
in the case of Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children v. Pennsylvania, the federal court rules that students with mental retardation are entitled to a free public education. -
Tesas Instruments
Texas Instruments introduces the first in its line of electronic hand-held calculators, the TI-2500 Data Math. TI becomes an industry leader known around the world. Thus making life easier for middle/high school students every where. -
Mills v. The Board of Education of Washington, D.C.
The case of Mills v. the Board of Education of Washington, D.C. extends the PARC v. Pennsylvania ruling to other students with disabilities and requires the provision of "adequate alternative educational services suited to the child's needs, which may include special education . . ." Other similar cases follow. -
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 becomes law. Though many people associate this law only with girl's and women's participation in sports, Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in all aspects of education. -
The Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act becomes law. Section 504 of this act guarantees civil rights for people with disabilities in the context of federally funded institutions and requires accommodations in schools including participation in programs and activities as well as access to buildings. Today, "504 Plans" are used to provide accommodations for students with disabilities who do not qualify for special education or an IEP. -
PL94-142
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) becomes federal law. It requires that a free, appropriate public education, suited to the student's individual needs, and offered in the least restrictive setting be provided for all "handicapped" children. States are given until 1978 (later extended to 1981) to fully implement the law. -
The Metric System
The Metric Conversion Act moves the United States toward use of the metric system, causing mathematics curricula to accommodate the coming change. -
Spanking upheld
The Supreme Court rules 5-4 that school officials can spank students without violating their constitutional rights. -
Apple II
Apple Computer, now Apple Inc., introduces the Apple II, one of the first successful personal computers. It and its offspring, the Apple IIe, become popular in schools as students begin to learn with computer games such as Oregon Trail and Odell Lake. -
Department of Educaiton Organization Act
Department of Education Organization Act, signed by President Carter, established the cabinet-level department. A coalition of national organizations supported this effort, passed by narrow margins in both houses.