Special Education Timeline

  • Brown Vs. Board of Education

    Segregation of students by race was ruled unconstitutional. Ended "separate but equal" schools for white and black students.
  • Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children Vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The court found that free educational public services or an alternative paid for by the board of education must be delivered based on the students' individual needs, regardless of cost.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Law signed in by president Nixon that prohibits discrimination in the work place and schools and any place that receives federal funding. Mandates individualized plans for eligible disabled students who need accommodations or modifications in order to receive FAPE.
  • Public Law No. 94 - 142

    Secured the basic ideals, rights and responsibilities to ensure equal access to public education for all children who are disabled.
  • The Rowley Decision

    The supreme courts first interpretation of what is now called The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A two-part test can now be implemented when working through specific case issues.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act

    Public schools provide civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities and not discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin and religion.
  • No Child Left Behind

    All pupils, including those in special education, are expected to demonstrate proficiency in mathematics, reading and science. Annual testing of children in grades 3 through 8 is required, with students in grades 10 through 12 assessed at least once.
  • Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act

    Commonly referred to as IDEA 2004. Increased the focus of special education from ensuring access to education to improving the educational performance of students with disabilities and aligning special education services with the larger national school improvement efforts that include standards, assessments and accountability.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act

    The ESSA is intended to preserve the spirit and intent of No Child Left Behind while remediating some of the perceived flaws and deficiencies voiced by legislators, educators, policy makers, school administrators and parents.
  • Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities

    Because charter schools are public schools, they are required to follow the mandates found in the IDEA legislation and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Charter schools enroll fewer students with disabilities than typical public schools. The challenge confronting educators and other stakeholders is to increase access and develop exemplary programs for students with disabilities.