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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
Supreme Court justices ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. This case made a significant impact on special education law. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Passed as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" to provide additional resources for vulnerable students. This act aims to create equal opportunity for all students. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania sued by PARC over a law that gave public schools the right to deny a free education to children had not reached a mental age of 5. The Supreme Court ruled the law be stricken, and that Pennsylvania was responsible for providing free education to all children. -
Mills v. Board of Education, D.C.
Broadened the scope of PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to include students with all disabilities. Ruled that all children of school age should be provided with free and suitable public education. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Prohibits discrimination towards qualified people with disabilities in programs conducted by federal agencies and in the work place. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)
Public schools accepting federal funds were required to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities. This act was a cornerstone for Special Education. -
Handicapped Children’s Protection Act
A law signed by President Reagan that gave parents of children with disabilities more say in the development of their child’s IEP. -
Public Law 101-476
Called for significant changes in the Education for All Handicapped Children Act adding traumatic brain injury and autism were added as new disability categories. Congress also mandated an Individual Transition Plan be added to IEP to help students transition to post-secondary life. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Previously recognized as the Education for all Handicapped Children's Act, President Clinton reauthorized IDEA to include amendments that provide all students with access to the same curriculum -
No Child Left Behind Act
A reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, this act aimed to bridge student achievement gaps by providing all children with a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education.
