History of Special Education

  • Brown v Board of Education

    This brought to light the inequalities of segregated schools and deprived students of equal educational opportunities. This also connected with ability grouping and keeping special education students separate from others in schools.
  • Civil Rights Act

  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Helped provide assistance to create equal educational opportunities to underprivileged students. This also provided resources for special education classroom and resources.
  • Education for all Handicapped Children Act

    Modified assessments and created individualized education plan (IEP). This Act also provided free public education, equal opportunities for special education students, and their parents permission and feedback for any changes in school that involved their child.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Act

    Adds to while reinforcing the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. This provides equal opportunities for children that have different disabilities.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Advocates for adults with special needs to ensure they have equal opportunities in adulthood.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Act

    Amendments to the individualized education plan and those authorized to participate.
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    All students in are required to take a government test. This also gives freedom for parents to have a say in school district for their child.
  • IDEA 2004

    Students with special needs must be taught by qualified and certified special ed teachers and all content areas. This also advocated for minorities to ensure their is representation of different races but that these students are properly labeled and are in fact considered a child in need of special education based of the new requirements of IDEA 2004. IEPs are now long-term goals.