Special Education Timeline

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    Brown v. Board of Education

    Supreme court ruled that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional.

    This court case also brought attention to special needs students and encouraged the need of special education programs
  • Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA)

    Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA)

    Provided state federal funds to states to expand programs for children with disabilities
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    This was the first disability civil rights law to be enacted in the United States.

    This act bans disability discrimination—it forbid employers and organizations from denying individuals with disabilities.
  • Education of the Handicapped Act

    Education of the Handicapped Act

    Provided education for all students with disabilities. This is considered the first law that gave protection to students with special needs. It became mandatory for teachers to evaluate children with disabilities and create an educational plan.
  • Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

    Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

    This meant that student’s with Individual Educational Plans (IEP) must be in many general education classes as possible. This helped provide individuals with disabilities social experiences.
  • Board of Education v. Rowley

    Board of Education v. Rowley

    This was the most significant case concerning the interpretation of IDEA
    The ruling of the court said that schools must be provide IDEA eligible students with IEP
  • Handicapped Children's Protection Act

    Handicapped Children's Protection Act

    This law gave the parents of children with disabilities more of a say in the development of their child’s IEP
    Due process
    Provided free, appropriate public education for children who are handicapped
    Signed by Ronald Regan
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    This act promised all people with special needs to have the same rights as everyone else in both work and school. Also protects people wit special needs in the fact that they cannot be discriminated against in school, work and society.

    Signed by President George W. Bush
  • Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

    Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

    The newest name for federal law designed to ensure that schools serve the needs of students with disabilities
    FAPE
    LRE
    IEP
    Evaluation
    Parent/student participation
  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

    No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

    Part of the IDEA act, sets high standards and accountability for student achievement to make sure that all children are caught up 21st century learning
    -Gives states and school districts flexible funds to put the money where they need it the most
    -Reading first program is funded though NCLB and provides that children are at their grade level reading ability by third grade.
  • IDEA Reauthorized

    IDEA Reauthorized

    Re-authorized IDEA with changes to the original including: IEP, due process, and student discipline

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