Special Education Legislation All information from the same source: Teaching Students Who are Exceptional, Diverse, and At Risk in the General Education Classroom Edition 6 Authors: Vaughn, Bos, and Schumm
By srubatt
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Brown vs. Board of Education
This was the first time the federal government advocated for students who experienced inequality and prejudice at school and set forth the path for future legislature for individuals with disabilities. The Supreme Court ruled that school segregation by race was unconstitutional. This case helped to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Source: Teaching Students Who are Exceptional,Diverse, and at risk in the General Education Classroom Edition 6 Authors: Vaughn, Bos, Schumm -
ESEA Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act protected and provided equal access to the public education system. It established the free and reduced lunch system so children whose basic needs are not met could perform better and benefit fully from instructional programs. It also developed grant programs that encouraged states to create and improve programs for students with disabilities. Children need nutritous and regular meals to promote quality education. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act Public Law 93-112, Section 504
Pohibits discrimination against students with disabilities with any organization using federal funds, and any local or state organization, whether it is a school or employment agency. It made a significant difference in equal opportunities because agencies that accept these funds must comply with the law. Individuals with disabilites now have greater access to opportunities. -
EAHCA Education of All Handicapped Children Act Public Law 94-142
Became known as the Mainstreaming Law. It required states to provide a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilites (ages 5-18). It required IEP's (individualized education programs) which was so beneficial for meeting the needs of every students specific disability so they could learn to their utmost potential. It also defined the least restictive environment for which students learn. This really improved the oportunties for students with disabilites in education. -
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Public Law 101-476
Replaces EAHCA. It requires states to provide bilingual education programs for students with disabilities, which is so important since there are many dual language learners in the schools. It also extends provisions for due process and condidentiality for students and parents,which is a huge relief for the students as well as the parents. It also provides for individualized transition plans for students with disabilites which will help prepare them for life after school. -
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Public Law 105-17 Provisions
All students recieve services even if expelled from school. The schools have greater responsibility for students with disabilities to have access to general classrooms. Special Education staff are able to assist general education students as well when they are mainstreaming others. It requires general education teacher to be a member of the IEP team, which is so important since they are mainstreaming the students. Behavior management plans are included in the IEP. -
NCLB No Child Left Behind
This provided a framework so that no child would be trapped in a failing school. It improved teacher quality and supporting instruction to English language learners, and kept schools safe and drug free. It increased accountability for schools to ensure adequate yearly progress, and offered school of choice for parents. There was also to be flexibilty in the spending of federal funds as long as they demonstrated high standards of accountability. -
IDEIA Individuals with Disabilites Education Improvement Act
It stated that no child with disabilities can be excluded from education, they will be given a free appropriate education. Began early intervention services for children birth- 2 years of age and provides programs and services for all students with disabilities between the ages of 3-21. It raised standards for special eduation licensure. Incorporates the RTI model for referrals and IEPs require more long term goals. -
Sheila Rubatt Conclusion
We would not be where we are today if these laws hadn't come into effect. Everything from discrimination to incorporating IEPs and early intervention services all come into play with regards to education. Mainstreaming, behavior mangagement plans, and RTI's work together to help students with disabilities become successful in school as well as out of school.We all need to work together to help and support the
students with disabilities, and their parents, so they can be successful individuals.
