Special Education Law Timeline

By Ashton8
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    Special Eduation History

  • The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

    The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
    Provided state federal money to states in order to improve opportunities to for students who were disadvantaged (including children with disabilities).

  • Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970

    Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970
    • Provide state grants to help expand education programs for students with disabilities.
    • Federal government money was given to school to help train special education teachers better.

  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
    • Federal funding was provided to those who promised to educate students with disabilities.
    • Started requiring school to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
    • Established procedural safeguards.

  • Hendrick Hudson School vs Rowley of 1982

    Hendrick Hudson School vs Rowley of 1982
    • School sued due to interpreter being taken away from deaf student.
    • Court ruled in favor of school because Amy Rowley was succeeding without the interpreter.
    • Court offered a new interpretation of FAPE.
    • Created a definition of FAPE and clarified that students don't have to have maximum support but enough to receive educational benefits.

  • Timothy W. vs Rochester School District 1989

    Timothy W. vs Rochester School District 1989
    • Student was denied special educational services because the school felt his disability was "too severe" to benefit.
    • Led to zero-rejection policy.
    • Schools could not deny a child special education services, no matter how severe the disabilities are.

  • Individuals with Disabilitites Act of 1990

    Individuals with Disabilitites Act of 1990
    • Added traumatic brain injury and autism as new categories of disabilities.
    • Transition element for students age 16 or older was added.
    • "People first" language began.

  • The Idea Amendments of 1997

    The Idea Amendments of 1997
    • Changed the IEP team and added new components.
    • Recognized the structure of IDEA.
    • Began requiring states to offer intervention efforts to parents before due process hearing.

  • No Child Left Behinf Act of 2002

    No Child Left Behinf Act of 2002
    • Began holding the government responsible for the gains for students academically.
    - Standardized tests began.

  • IDEA Improvement Act of 2004

    IDEA Improvement Act of 2004
    • Gave a definition to "highly qualified" special education teacher.
    • Encouraged the use of the RTI model in the classroom.
    • Removed short term goals in IEP's except for those with severe disabilities.

  • Endrew F. vs Douglas County School District 2017

    Endrew F. vs Douglas County School District 2017
    • Parents sued school for tuition for a private school because the school was unable to provide a "meaningful education".
    • Ruled in favor for a higher standard of education for students with disabilities.