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Hobson vs. Hansen (1967)
This was the first major case raising questions about placement in special education. The court ruled that using test scores to group students into “tracks” was unconstitutional because it discriminated against the poor and black class. The judge on this case, Judge Wright, stated that this was discriminatory based on the fifth amendment because it took away the rights for these students to have a good educational opportunity. -
Diana vs. State Board of Ed (1970)
Was inaccurately labeled as mentally retarded based on the results of an IQ test which were given in English which was not her native language.
The final court ruling was that assessments must be non-biased and given in the student’s native language. -
Board of Ed. Vs. Rowley
Amy Rowley was a deaf student whose school system refused to get a sign language interpreter for her. Her parents filed a suit contending violation of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. Her parents did lose this case because Amy was achieving educationally, socially, and academically, without any assistance.