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Brown v. Board of Education
This court case was a landmark in the United States Supreme Court. At the time, state laws called for racial segregation in public schools. This act removed segregation from public schools, therefore, opening the doors for parents of students with disabilities to fight for their equality as well. -
Mills vs. Board of Education of District of Columbia
This lawsuit was on behalf of seven individuals with disabilities who were denied the right to receive public education. This lawsuit was important to the furthered development of special education because it stated that all students should be afforded the same opportunity for free education. -
Public Law 94-142
This law was created in order to ensure that children would be educated in the least restricted environment (LRE). It also requires written permission for evaluation. -
Hudson vs. Rowley
This court case involved Amy Rowley, who was a deaf student receiving public education. Her parents desired for the school to provide an interpreter, but the school stated that they provided sufficient and appropriate education for her and other disabled students. The court ultimately ruled in the school's favor and decided that appropriate education for a deaf child does not mean education that will produce the maximum possible achievement. -
Daniel R.R. vs. State Board of Education
This ruling established that students with disabilities have the right to be included in all programs of general education (inclusion). -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This law ensures rights to nondiscriminatory treatment and provides protection of civil rights in employment, transportation, public accommodations and state and local government. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
PL 94-142 was amended in 1990, commonly known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. IDEA ensures that all children and youth with disabilities have the right to free, appropriate public education. IDEA is composed of six main elements, including IEP, FAPE, LRE, appropriate evaluation, parent and teacher participation, as well as procedural safeguards. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
In the early 21st century, under the Bush administration, this law was passed. It's intentions were to improve the academic performance of all students, including those with disabilities. This law required that teachers be "qualified" to teach those students with disabilities and emphasized inclusion for students with disabilities. It allows for many federal education programs that can be determined by the state. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
In 2004, the original law of PL 94-142 was reauthorized as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, or IDEA 2004. This reauthorization emphasized the necessity for Free Appropriate Public Education and Least Restricted Environment. It also introduced Individualized Education Programs (IEP's). These have been imperative for the education of students with disabilities today. Many schools have implemented the use of RTI to meet the new requirements of IDEA 2004. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This act modified provisions related to periodic standardized testing. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act from the early 2000's.
