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In the late 1800s, the first phase of special education was introduced (Rothstein & Johnson, 2020). The primary focus was to reduce the stress of the teacher by placing students with disabilities into separate classes. Students with learning disabilities were rarely sent to school due to the segregated way of structuring classes and a diminished classroom experience. -
This was the first of many rulings that helped modernize Special Education and how students with learning disabilities are viewed. This court ruling declared that segregated learning violated equal educational opportunities. This was the first understanding that all students deserved adequate public education not matter their race or disability. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act is the first known federal act that provided funds to students with disabilities. This was critical to ensure that tools and adaptive materials could be used within the classroom when appropriate.