History of Special Education

  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

    ESSA was put in place to provide underprivileged students and equal educational opportunities. One component of ESSA is the free and reduced lunch program.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    The Education for All Handicapped Children Act gave all children a right to education. This act introduced Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. Moreover, this act required free, appropriate education for all students with disabilities.
  • NC State National Basketball Champions

    NC State won the division 1 men's basketball tournament (now known as the March Madness tournament).
  • Education of Handicapped Act Amendments

    In 1986, amendments were put in place to provide an appropriate education for adolescents with disabilities. Free and appropriate education was required for students with disabilities from ages 3-5 and early intervention programs were introduced for children younger than 3 years old.
  • Charlotte Hornets Founded

    The Charlotte Hornets were founded in 1988 which brought the first professional sports team to Charlotte.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    In 1990 Bilingual Education programs were introduced to schools. Moreover, due process was required for any educational cases. Finally, laws were passed to assure confidentiality of any student information.
  • Carolina Panthers Added to the NFL

    In 1993 the Carolina Panthers were accepted as an NFL team and brought a professional football team to North Caroina.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    In 1997, IDEA was improved upon as general education teachers were now required to be part of the IEP team for students with disabilities. Also, teachers were introduced to behavior management plans, and students were expected to still receive services when they are expelled from school
  • Day I was born

    This is my birthday, it really puts these acts into perspective as special education has been something that has developed over 50-60 years.
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    The No Child Left Behind Act increased the accountability of schools for their students' academics. Early intervention reading programs were put in place and benchmarks were put in place that public schools were expected to meet.
  • IDEA Improvement Act

    The IDEA Improvement Act increased the standards for special education teacher license/certification. Also, it increased the funding to early intervention services for students with disabilities.
  • Carolina Panthers Make it to the Super Bowl

    The Panthers made it to their first super bowl in 2004 which is fairly impressive as the organization was only around for 10 seasons.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act

    The ESSA gave more control to states in regards to standardized tests and placed consequences for schools with low test performances. Also, it limited the opportunities for alternate assessments for students.