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Ruby Bridges desegregates all-white school in New Orleans.
Ruby Bridges was the first African-American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. She was only six years old and was escorted to school by her parents and U.S. Marshals. She and her parents were brave and paved a road where children could be educated equally despite the color of their skin. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act is passed.
As a part of Lyndon B. Johnson's war on poverty he passed this act aiming to level the playing field for low-income areas by funding elementary and secondary schools through grants from the government. There is a high degree of accountability with this program. -
The Equality of Educational Opportunity Study
Also known as "The Coleman Report", this study emphasized the the importance of integration and the positive effect it had on students. It helped begin a "busing" movement to further desegregate schools. -
Diana vs. Board of Education
Diana was a Mexican-American student who was tested and placed in a EMR class (educably mentally retarded) based on how she scored on the test. Her family took the case to court as Diana was not tested in her native language and it negatively affected her scores. This case allowed students to be tested in their native language so that their test scores were reflective of their intelligence and not their ability to speak English. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This act guaranteed civil rights for people with disabilities in the context of federally funded institutions. It required equal access to things like, activities, programs, and even buildings. -
Plyer vs. Doe
The U.S. Supreme Court rules in a 5-4 decision that Texas law denying access to public education for undocumented school-age children violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The ruling also found that school districts cannot charge tuition fees for the education of these children. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
A four-part piece of American legislation that ensures students with a disability are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. This act sought to provide quality education to this students with special needs and it included students with Autism and traumatic brain injury. -
Proposition 187
As a backlash to illegal immigration, California voters pass Proposition 187, denying benefits, including public education, to undocumented aliens in California. It is challenged by the ACLU and other groups and eventually overturned.
This set an example to other states that it is unconstitutional to deny individuals public education and the like. -
Higher Education Act amended and reauthorized
The Higher Education Act is again amended and reauthorized, expanding access to higher education for low and middle income students, providing additional funds for graduate studies, and increasing accountability.
Further assists in low and middle income students being a able to further their education after high school. -
Shift in student demographic
Minority students enrolled in K-12 public school classrooms outnumber non-Hispanic Caucasians.
This is a huge shift that changes the minority to majority. This shows how much educators need to explore and understand multiculturalism.
