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1954 Brown vs. Board of Education
In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation by race was unconstitutional in schools, even if everyone was given the same resources. This was important for those with special needs because this was the first time that we can see the federal government backing students struggling with inequality and prejudice. This Supreme Court case paved the way for future legislation for students with disabilities. -
1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act
In 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was enacted. It was enacted to authorize state programs for eligible schools or districts that were looking to help in the academic achievement of students with challenges. These challenges ranged from disabilities, to poverty and transience. -
1971 PARC v. Pennsylvania
In 1971, PARC challenged the state of Pennsylvania by questioning the constitutionality of excluding those with mental retardation from public education. As a result of this, the state was no longer allowed to deny public education to children with disabilities. This was a major step in the inclusion of students with disabilities into general education. https://www.pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-association-for-retarded-citizens-parc-v-commonwealth-of-pennsylvania/ -
1972 Mills v. Board of Education
In 1972 in D.C., Mills’s case brought forward the exclusion of handicapped children in public schools. This was similar to the PARC case, and the court required the Board of Education to find and provide “adequate alternative education services”. They also added that there would be a prior hearing, and a recurring review of the child’s status, their progress and determine how adequate the education alternative was. -
1973, Vocational Rehabilitation Act
In 1973, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act was passed that federally defined handicapped. It also defined and explained appropriate education. This act prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in federally funded programs. -
1975, Education of All Handicapped Children Act
This is known as the mainstreaming law. This act makes it a state requirement to provide a free and adequate public education for children with disabilities. This also requires that each child has their own individualized program to promote advancement called an IEP. This act pertained to children 5-18. -
1986, Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments
In 1986, Amendments were established to require states to extend their free and appropriate education to children 3 to 5. This act also established early intervention programs for children under two. This allowed there to be a federal law in place to assist every child with disabilities, not just school age children. -
1990 Americans with Disabilities Act
In 1990 this law was passed to prohibit discrimination against those with disabilities in the private sector meaning in businesses. This act promotes the utilization of public services of all kinds to those with disabilities. This also added people with AIDS to the list of people with disabilities. -
2001 No Child Left Behind Act
In 2001, President Bush signed this act that placed accountability onto schools, teachers, and watched student performance. If standards were not met schools would lose funding. Students of all walks of life would receive proper education, and the schools would now have to make sure they were achieving the proper national standards. -
2015 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
In 2015 ESSA was passed and replaced NCLB. This act was revised but still placed responsibility on the states. With ESSA the states have more flexibility, and the parents of the students are more involved, by receiving their child's results on certain areas of growth throughout their education.
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