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First Public Special Education Class
In 1896, Rhode Island opened the first public special education class in the U.S. This was the start of special education. By 1923, almost 34,000 students where enrolled in special education classes. https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels/four/4d/10.html -
Council for Exceptional Children is Organized
CEC was organized by a group of educators from Columbia University's Teachers College. The members of the CEC are committed to enhancing the success of people with disabilities. Currently, the CEC is a professional society of educators that works to enhance the lives of people with disabilities via advocacy, standards, and professional development. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) P.L 89-10
President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" included ESEA. The law established the federal government's role in safeguarding and providing for students from low-income families to have equal access to public education. ESEA is a statute that funds primary and secondary education while emphasizing high standards and accountability. ESEA included a grant program to encourage states to build and expand programs for students with disabilities.(https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu ) -
Handicapped Children's Early Education Assistance Act
Educational activities for young disabled children were provided. Educational models were to be sponsored and evaluated for their effectiveness in providing educational services as part of early intervention programs. (https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED029406) -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act - section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law created to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. The law requires school districts to provide a FAPE to qualified students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Public school districts and other state education bodies are all part of these initiatives.(https://www.pacer.org/parent/504) -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act 94-142
President Gerald Ford signed into law the EHA. This act mandated that all public schools receiving federal funds provide equal educational opportunities for children with physical and mental disabilities. The law was passed to ensure that special education services are available, specific management and auditing requirements, and providing federal funds to assist states in educating students with disabilities.(https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-History#1975) -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The IDEA ensures that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living. IDEA is composed of four parts A,B,C and D.
https://www.apa.org/advocacy/education/idea -
No Child Left Behind Act
NCLB was signed into law by President George W. Bush. NCLB increased the federal role in holding schools responsible for the academic progress of all students. It provided framework on how to improve the performance of America's Elementary and Secondary school while ensuring no child is trapped in a failing school. Video link ( https://youtu.be/0--2nhsDorg ) (https://www.edweek.org) -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) is a federal law that guarantees all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21. The IDEIA is a reauthorization of the IDEA 1990.The law mandates that public schools provide special education and related services to children who satisfy specified criteria, as well as early intervention programs for infants aged birth to three. (https://www.nasponline.org) -
Ever Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA was signed by President Obama. ESSA creates equal opportunity for all students even if the students are not making adequate progress. ESSA changed the responsibility from Federal Government to states and local control where progress can be monitored and sanctions are determined. ESSA also eliminated Adequate Yearly Progress.( https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=rn)
