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Rhode Island Compulsory Attendance Law
Rhode Island had one of the first laws saying kids had to go to school. Back then, students with disabilities weren't really included but this law planted the seed.It helped push the idea that education should be for everyone. -
First Public Special Ed Class Opens in RI
This was the first time a public school in the U.S. officially had a special education class.It showed that people were starting to realize kids with disabilities needed individualized instruction. The class was separate from other student but it was a step in the right direction. -
Beattie v. Board of Education
A school in Wisconsin said a student with a disability could be kept out because his condition made other kids “uncomfortable.”The court agreed, which shows how negative attitudes were back then.This case basically gave schools a reason to exclude students with disabilities for many years. -
Denmark's Movement
Over in Denmark, people started saying those with disabilities should live as “normal” a life as possible.That idea slowly made its way to the U.S. and helped shift how we think about including students in regular schools.It was a huge deal in changing mindsets about disability and education. -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
This case said schools couldn’t just keep kids with intellectual disabilities out of public education.It made clear that all students have a right to a free public education. This decision helped start big federal laws protecting students with disabilities. -
Center for Law and Education is Founded
This organization started to make sure all kids were able to get what they needed in school. They’ve been a big part of legal fights and policy changes in special education.Their work helped hold schools accountable when they didn’t follow the rules. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Schools had to start serving students with disabilities. It introduced things like IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and made sure kids were taught in the “least restrictive” environment.It also meant the federal government would help fund schools to make it all happen. -
Early Intervention Services Begin
This made sure kids with disabilities could get help even before they started school.Now babies and toddlers (ages 0–3) could get services to support their development. Helping kids early often meant for better outcomes later on.
https://youtu.be/WAIrN7RHHXY -
PL 94-142 Becomes IDEA
The law got a new name: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.It added services to help students transition into adulthood. It also kept pushing for students to learn in regular classrooms as much as possible. -
IDEA Update
This update added more accountability, tying special education to the No Child Left Behind goals.Schools had to track student progress more closely.
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/