History of Special Education and Inclusive Education

  • Civil Rights Act, 1866

    Civil Rights Act, 1866

    The act declares that all people born in the United States are citizens, thus prohibiting discrimination based on race or color. The Act was ratified by the Senate on April 6, following the the House or Representative votes on April 91866 then making it law. As a result, litigation in the education system would be easier in the future and provide recovery for those impacted.
  • Plessy v. Ferguson

    Plessy v. Ferguson

    The Supreme Court ruled that segregating people and having separate facilities was permissible as long as they were equal. Separate is not equal, however, as we have learned throughout the civil rights fight. This ruling would not be overturned until 58 years later, in Brown v. Board. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/plessy-v-ferguson
  • Brown v. Board of Education

    Brown v. Board of Education

    Segregation was not constitutional in Brown v. Board of Education, a case decided by the Supreme Court. As a result, all students had an equal chance to attend school. Individuals with disabilities having their education provided by public schools are now protected by this case. During this time, the idea that being segregated makes being equal impossible was first put forth.
  • Elementary & Sec. Edu. Act (ESEA)

    Elementary & Sec. Edu. Act (ESEA)

    This legislation was enacted to safeguard and provide for pupils from underprivileged families so that they can have equal access to public education. ESSA aimed to promote educational possibilities for underprivileged kids by ensuring that all of their fundamental requirements were covered so that they could fully benefit from their education.
  • Mills v. Board of Edu. of the DC

    Mills v. Board of Edu. of the DC

    A due process procedure was established in this case to ensure that all students are treated equally. The law was later included in Public Law No. 94-142. The Board of School of the District of Columbia denied special needs students access to education. The Court determined that regardless of cost, free public educational services or an appropriate private alternative paid for by the board of education must be provided based on the students' individual requirements.
  • Rehabilitation Act (Section 504)

    Rehabilitation Act (Section 504)

    President Nixon signed a measure prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, schools, and any institution receiving government funds. Individualized plans are required for eligible impaired kids who require accommodations or modifications in order to get FAPE under this plan. In terms of learning environment placement, the Least Restrictive Education requirement is critical.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    This legislation mandates that all public schools receiving federal monies provide equitable educational opportunities to students with physical and/or intellectual impairments. Schools were expected to give a free suitable education to all children, regardless of their condition. Students with learning difficulties were obliged to be recognized and receive special education services.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Americans with Disabilities Act

    This law was created to ensure that all public schools receiving federal dollars provide equitable educational opportunities to students with physical and/or intellectual impairments. Regardless of their condition, schools were expected to offer all students with a free adequate education. Students with learning difficulties have to be recognized and given special schooling.
  • 1997 Amendments to IDEA

    1997 Amendments to IDEA

    The 1997 amendments to IDEA brought about improvements such as how kids with disabilities are evaluated, parent input in eligibility and placement choices, and the addition of transition planning. The establishment of IEPs, which supported the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms with appropriate aids and supports, was another revolutionary breakthrough. Discipline guidelines for students with impairments were also developed. https://youtu.be/rgwstMsPvd4
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    No Child Left Behind Act

    NCLB's stated purpose is to "level the playing field" in the field of education. There are a number of requirements, including enough yearly improvement, the utilization of "scientifically based research," "highly trained" instructors, assessments, and minimum criteria for paraprofessionals. If criteria are not reached, sanctions are applied to some of the above. The objective is to close the deficit and level the playing field.