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The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a child who was "weak in mind" and could not benefit from instruction, was troublesome to other children, and was unable to take "ordinary, decent, physical care of himself" could be expelled from public school (Watson v. City of Cambridge, 1893). This lead to the rejection of students with disabilities at that time. -
The court ruled that the segregation of students by race is unconstitutional, it is against the Compulsory Education Law of 1840. This ruling was used by advocates for children with disabilities to argue that they can also not be excluded from the public school.
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The PARC was resolved by decreeing that the state must guarantee free public education to all children with intellectual disability, provision of integrated environment which has become a norm in a PK-12 classroom and also, parents have to be involved which form a key factor for an intervention program. -
The PARC decision was extended to include all students with disabilities in accessing public education. Due process safeguard was elaborated to safeguard the rights of the child and it should be strictly adgered to by the general and special educators. -
This section prohibits the discrimination of students or people with disabilities. Any form of discrimination or segregation either by the district or the school with attract severe penalties by the federal government. -
The key aspect of this act is the Individualized Education Program which helps the teacher to be adequately accountable for the academic performance of the student involved and also help in working with other professionals to achieve the best and help the student learn effectively. -
This legislation is viewed as the downward extension of PL 94-142 (EAHCA). This amendment made compulsory services to preschoolers with disabilities and enabled early intervention services to infant and toddlers (from birth to age 2) with developmental delays or disabilities. -
The name of the legislation, Education for All Handicapped Children Act was changed to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL 101-476). In this act, rehabilitation counselling and social work are considered related services which should be included in the IEP . Also, there is an establishment of a required individualized transition plan (ITP) by age 16. -
In the amendments, students are required to participate in state and districtwide assessments and general educators are allowed to participate on individualized education program team amongst others. -
A legislation reauthorizing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was passed and signed into law. This legislation improved the quality of education in special education services with the general classroom. It increased the roles and responsibilities of parents of students with disabilities. In the present day classroom, the special educators work with the general educators to improve the academics of the students with disabilities.
