Special Education Law Timeline

  • Brown vs. Board of Education

    Brown vs. Board of Education
    Schools may not segregate by race.
  • PARC vs. Penn Board of Education

    PARC vs. Penn Board of Education
    Free public education for students with mental retardation ages 6-21.
  • Mills vs. Board of Education

    Mills vs. Board of Education
    Provide a supported public education for all children with disabilities and the court ordered to provide due process safeguards and parent advocacy.
  • Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act
    Every public place that receives federal funds must comply with the regulations. In order to qualify, the individual must have a physical or mental impairment that limits major life activity. Covers for life.
  • Education of All Handicapped Children Act

    Education of All Handicapped Children Act
    The centerpiece was the Individualized Education Plan and covers individuals ages 6-18. An IEP must be developed for each student with a disability and required a procedural due process.
  • Re-authorization for EAHCA to Individuals with Education Disabilities (IDEA)

    Re-authorization for EAHCA to Individuals with Education Disabilities (IDEA)
    First person language was introduced, autism and traumatic brain injury were added as new disability categories, and a plan for transition is to be included in the IEP. Covers ages 6-21.
  • American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    Civil rights for individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public places including schools, transportation, and much more. Cover individuals with disabilities and over.
  • Re-authorization for IDEA

    Re-authorization for IDEA
    Improve educational achievement of students with disabilities.
  • Re-authorization IDEA to Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)

    Re-authorization IDEA to Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
    IEPs must have annual goals and measure and report the child's progress toward meeting those goals. Covers birth-21.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
    Allows states and school districts make decisions about testing, requires for all students to be taught to high standards to prepare them to succeed in college. There is an increase in high-quality preschool access.