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Brown VS. Board of Education
"The Supreme Court ruled that school segregation by race was not constitutional, even if resources were allotted equally" (Vaughn, p.4). This case acted as a stepping stone to ensure equal rights and equality in schools for all children.
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Education Classroom by S. Vaughn, C. Bos, and J. Shay-Schumm. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act passed in 1965 was set in place to ensure that "the government would protect and service all students from disadvantaged backgrounds" (Vaughn, p.4). Through this act, children were given equal access to education. In addition to that, higher standards were administered in schools and administration at all levels were now being held accountable for performance and actions.
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children VS. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This court case "challenged the constitutionality of excluding individuals with mental retardation from public education and training" (Vaughn, p.4). The Court ruled in favor of PARC, stating that all students, regardless of their individual needs, must be provided an education.
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Classroom by S. Vaughn, C. Bos, and J. Shay-Schumm. -
Mills VS. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
The Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Columbia was yet another case that demonstrated the importance allowing all children, including children with mental retardation, the right to an education and proper training. The results of the case further added that adminstration were required to set any needed services based on the child's particular needs.
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Classroom by S. Vaughn, C. Bos, & J. Shay-Schumm. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act "prevents any private organization that uses federal funds, or any local or state organization, from discriminating against persons with disabilities solely on the basis of the disability." (Vaughn, p. 9). This act played a significant role in special education legislation as it provided more opportunities for individuals with disabilities; 504 services.
Source: Teaching Children Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Education Classroom. -
Education of the Handicapped Act
The Education of the Handicapped Act was a revision of the ESEA Act on passed in 1975. The revised act continued to support "state-run programs for individuals with disabilities" (Vaughn, p.4)
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Education Classroom by S. Vaughn, C. Bos, & J. Shay-Schumm. -
Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District vs. Rowley
This case further defined what it meant to obtain free and appropriate, public education. Rowley was a student that was deaf, and she utilized a special hearing aid to assist in her learning. Although already a fairly high achiever, "she may not have been achieving maximally and might have benefited from an interpreter" (Vaughn, p. 4).
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Classroom, by S. Vaughn, C. Bos, & J. Shay-Schumm. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)(1975/1990/2004)
This act establishes "people-first" language when referring to individuals with disabilities. The act also encourages use of multiple services to assist in the learning process. In addition to professional services, transition programs are set in place to help students with disabilities transition into a work environment. -
Honig vs. Doe
The case of Honig vs. Doe showcased another facet of special education, children with emotional and behavioral disorder. This court ruled that all children, including children with emotional and behavior disabilities, has the right to a free public education and shouldn't removed from a public school setting due to the disability.
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Education Classroom by S. Vaughn, C. Bos, & J. Shay-Schumm. -
Cedar Rapids vs. Garret F. Garret
This particular court case ruled that "students must be provided with the supplemental services they need to attend school at no extra cost to the parents" (Vaughn, p. 4). The child, Garret, was paralyzed from an accident at a young age, and although he could not move physcially from the neck down, he was still able to grow and learn.
Source: Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Education Classroom by S. Vaughn, C. Bos, & J. Shay-Schumm. -
No Child Left Behind Act
NCLB Act increases accountably for educators and students. "Regardless of disability, socioeconomic status, language background, race or ethnicity, all students are required to meet learning expectations in certain curriculum areas." (Vaughn, p. 5). The NCLB also allows parents to make the choice to change schools in the event that the school is failing. In addition to school choice, school districts and states have more flexibility in how they use funding.
