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First Full Special Education Class
The first full special education were not established until 1931 which required teachers to teach atypical children. -
Brown v. The Board of Education
This ruling helped people who felt "different" and paved the way for a new path for those that wanted equality, like children with special needs and the need for special education programs within American schools. -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Guaranteed civil rights to all disabled people and required accommodations for disabled students in school. -
Education For All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
A law passed that recognized the need for special education services for those who were diagnosed with learning disabilities. EAHCA called for a widespread reform of the educational system. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Reauthorization of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. IDEA emphasized the use of individual education plans, or IEPs, for all special education. IDEA also initiated the use of individualized transition plans, or ITPs, to best prepare students for success in their adult life. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
No Child Left Behind was the main law for kindergarten through 12th grade general education in the United States from 2002 until 2015. The law held schools accountable for how kids learned and achieved. Its goal was to level the playing field for students who are disadvantaged, including students receiving special education services. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Signed into law by President Obama on December 10, 2015. It replaces the No Child Left Behind Act. ESSA maintains an expectation that there will be accountability and action to to effect positive change in the lowest-performing schools, where groups of students are not making progress, and where graduation rates are low over extended period of times.
