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Smith-Hughes Act
The Smith-Hughes Act of 1917, officially titled the National Vocational Education Act, gave federal funding for vocational education programs in public schools. This act indirectly impacted individuals utilizing special education by encouraging vocational training for individuals with disabilities. -
GI Bill
The GI Bill of Rights, officially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, was a piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress during World War II. It provided a range of benefits to returning veterans, including education, low-cost mortgages, and unemployment compensation, aimed at facilitating their reintegration into civilian life. -
Establishment of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation
The establishment of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation in 1961 marked a significant milestone in the history of special education in the United States.Its initiatives helped pave the way for legislative and policy developments that eventually led to greater inclusion and educational opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities within the realm of special education. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that guaranteed free and appropriate public education to all children with disabilities. It mandated the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique needs and ensured access to specialized services and accommodations. https://youtu.be/G4Xzvafi-Pg?si=y2T3BFZyK-v5X18e -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
https://www.ada.gov/
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was a special moment for special education in the United States, as it stopped discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education. Under the ADA, schools were required to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities, furthering the goals of inclusion and accessibility. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments, were revised since the original presented in 1975. This has played a pivotal role in shaping special education in the United States by supporting accountability and increasing educational outcomes. IDEA expands all services for students with disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004 represented an update of the original IDEA legislation. IDEIA aimed to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities by increasing accountability, early intervention, and access to the general education curriculum. It strengthened the role of parents in the IEP process and provided additional resources for supporting students' transition from school to post-secondary life. -
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 allocated a large amount of funding to education, including special education programs. This amount of funds was given to support efforts to improve educational outcomes for all students during a period of financial strain on schools. ARRA's investment in special education contributed to the maintenance and expansion of services, helping to support the budget cuts and continue support for students with disabilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and provided states with more flexibility in education policy. ESSA supported a focus on accountability for disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities. It emphasized the importance of including students with disabilities in state assessments and ensuring their access to a high-quality education. -
UDL Expansion
https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/assistive-technology/articles/universal-design-learning-udl-what-you-need-know
The expansion of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for ESE students involves implementing flexible instructional methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning needs. They incorporate UDL principles so educators can provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to support the learning of ESE students.