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1971: Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
“This case is important because it challenged the constitutionality of exclusion of individuals with mental retardation from public education and training. The state was not allowed to “deny to any mentally retarded child access to a free public program of education and training.” -
1973: Vocational Rehabilitation Act (P.L. 93-112)
“Prevents any private organization that uses federal funds, or any local/state organization, from discriminating against persons with disabilities, based only on the disability. Came with equal opportunities and services for individuals with disabilities and allows these agencies to collect state or federal money if they follow the law.” -
1982: Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
“This is am important case dealing with the definition of free and appropriate education (FAPE). The court ruled that P.L. 94-142 requires states to provide sufficient, but not the best possible, support for students to benefit from a public education at a level typical to that of nondisabled peers. Not a complete step forward, but it defined the FAPE requirements.“ -
1990: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Public Law 101-476)
“Referring to people with disabilities. Extended special education services and provisions for due process and confidentiality and added autism and traumatic brain injury as disabilities. States must provide bilingual education programs for students with disabilities as well as transition services for employment. Requires an individualized transition program be in place by age 16 for students with disabilities.” -
1997: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Public Law 105-17)
“Even if a student has been expelled from school, they are sill eligible to receive services. Requires schools to assume greater responsibility for ensuring that students have access to the general education curriculum. Requires the general education teacher to be a part of the IEP team, students must take part in statewide and district wide assessments, requires a behavior management plan to be implemented if necessary.” -
2001: No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
“Improves performance of elementary and secondary schools by increasing the school, district, and state accountability for all students. Provides more flexibility in how states spend their school funds, offers school choice for students enrolled in failing schools and implements early reading interventions. But, it also came in increased standardized testing. “ -
2004: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (P.C. 108-446).
“No child with disabilities can be excluded from education, a zero reject method. States are required to identify and track the number of students with disabilities and plan their needs, and provide special programs and service for al students with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21. It also raises the standards for special education licensure.“
