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Introduction
This timeline includes 12 of the most important events in the history of special education. Many of these events involve the passage of legislation that incrementally guaranteed children with special needs the right to a free, public, and equitable education. At the end, a webliography is included with information on many of the most common exceptionalities, and resources for parents and teachers that correspond to each exceptionality. I hope this timeline is informative and helpful for you. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board ended legal school segregation of minorities, declaring that “separate but equal” schools were not, in fact, equal. This case led to an acknowledgment of the rights of many minorities in education, eventually leading to the establishment of the rights of students with special needs. This was the watershed case that would lead the charge for educational equity for all students. Video -
Public Law 88-164
First authorization of federal funds to train professionals to work with special needs children, and for research regarding students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Deafness. Link to Full Text of Legislation -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Established the rights of children with disabilities to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Public Interest Law Center Case Summary -
Public Law 93-112 Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504: It is illegal to deny participation in activities or programs solely because of disability. Some students who do not qualify for services under IDEA (discussed later) may be eligible for special education services according to section 504 of Public Law 93-112. Project Reach Web Page on Section 504 and what it means for teachers -
Public Law 94-142 Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Key Provisions:
• No child with a disability can be denied FAPE.
• Required Nondiscriminatory Evaluation for special education services
• Established Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for every student with a disability.
• Children with disabilities must be educated within least restrictive environment.
• All children with disabilities are entitled to due process
• Parents are to be included in the IEP process.
US Dept. of Education Link -
Larry P. v. Riles
Established that children cannot be labeled “handicapped” or placed into special education without a diagnosis, taking into account linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Link to Court Decision -
Public Law 99-457 Education of the Handicapped Act Ammendments/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Federal funds allocated for states to develop programs for disabled children from birth on. This was the beginning of formal special education in the public school setting. Video Explaining the Basics of the IDEA Act -
Public Law 101-336 Americans with Disabilities Act
Guarantees civil rights to persons with disabilities. Established legal precedent for many legal guarantees to individuals with disabilities.
Link to ADA.gov -
Public Law 107-110 No Child Left Behind Act
Attempted to hold schools and educators accountable by establishing a minimum level of proficiency which was required in order for schools to receive certain federal funds. Education Week Summar of NCLB Act and its implications -
IDEA Reauthorization
Added to the original IDEA of 1986 that quality of personnel (special education teacher certification and content mastery), IEP standards (proposals in IEPs must reflect evidence-based practices utilizing technology and early intervention services), and Transition services (detailed plans for postschool adult-living objectives) should be incorporated into special education policies and initiatives.
Center for Parent Information and Resources: IDEA -
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Dedicate federal funds to stimulate economic growth in the wake of the 2008 recession. Specifically provided one-time funds for early childhood education of individuals with disabilities, and helped establish better methods of identifying and directing services to children with disabilities. US Dept. of Education Details on Allocation of Funds to Special Education within American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Revised the NCLB act, retaining federally-mandated standardized testing between the 3rd and 8th grades, but ceding the establishment of specific standards to the states.
• Students with IEPs and 504 plans can get accommodations on all annual state tests. US Dept. of Education Webpage on ESSA -
Special Education Webliography
This special education Webliography includes definitions and information regarding 11 common diagnoses for students with disabilities. Each section also provides external links to resources for teachers and parents whose children may experience each disability. Webliography Link
