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Brown v. Board of Education
Landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling which marked the end of “separate but equal” and racial segregation in public schools. It challenged the systemic discrimination that denied Black students equal educational opportunities and helped dismantle the legacy of racial injustice and inequality rooted in America’s history of slavery.
Established a critical legal precedent for equal access to education, paving the way for future advocacy on behalf of other marginalized groups. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Provided federal funding to schools (especially those serving low-income families) sought to close educational achievement gaps.
It paved the way for more federal involvement in education equity, eventually influencing special education funding and support services for disadvantaged and disabled students. -
Mills v. Board of Education
Mills extended educational rights to all children with disabilities, ruling that schools must not exclude students based on the severity of their disabilities, even if resources were limited.
This ruling reinforced that schools must provide education to all children with disabilities, influencing inclusive education policies today. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding. Its impact has led to schools providing accommodations and modifications, making education more accessible even for students not eligible under IDEA. -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
Landmark court ruling guarantying children with intellectual disabilities the right to a free public education (FAPE).
By challenging schools that excluded children with disabilities, it set the precedent for the legal recognition of the right of children with disabilities to appropriate education. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) (1975)
This law required all public schools to provide free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities and introduced Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
It established the foundation of modern special education services, ensuring individualized plans and legal protections for students with disabilities and Act which is now known as IDEA -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all public areas, including schools. It expanded protections beyond education to ensure accessibility and equal opportunities, further reinforcing nondiscriminatory practices in schools. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments (1997)
These amendments enhanced IDEA by emphasizing early intervention, transition services to adulthood, and parental involvement in the educational process.
They improved the quality and scope of special education, promoting access to the general curriculum and smoother transitions for students with disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
NCLB increased accountability by requiring schools to demonstrate progress for all students, including those with disabilities, primarily through standardized testing.
It heightened focus on academic achievement for special education students but also raised concerns about testing pressures and equity. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA replaced NCLB, giving states more flexibility while maintaining accountability for all students, including those with disabilities.
It supports inclusive education and encourages tailored interventions, focusing on both academic success and broader developmental needs.