The History of Special Education

By jnettinger

  • Watson v. City of Cambridge

    This is one of the first cases related to the education of special needs students. In Massachusetts, a student was expelled because of "poor academic ability" (Forte, 2017). Twenty-six years later we would see a similar case.

  • Beattie v. Board of Education of Antigo

    Here is a case where a child was excluded from public school because "they very sight of a child with cerebral palsy will produce a depressing and nauseating effect" (Forte, 2017). Throughout the next hundred years, the United States of America has come a long way in protecting and educating all individuals with disabilities.

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    This was a pivotal case in terms of education in general. It resulted in ending segregation on the basis of racial differences in education. Additionally, it led parents of children with disabilities the courage to file lawsuits against their child's school because these schools were discriminating and excluding such children (Wright & Wright, 2006).

  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)

    ESEA addressed issues regarding inadequate educational experiences received by students with special needs (Wright & Wright, 2006). This created opportunities and resources to ensure a quality education was provided to all students regardless of their ability.

  • Congressional Investigation

    In light of two previous cases where children with disabilities were excluded from public education, Congress initiated an investigation. It was found that of nearly 8 million students with special needs, only approximately 3.9 million were receiving an acceptable education (Wright & Wright, 2006). This investigation opened the doors for the further, more immediate attention of lawmakers.

  • The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

    This Public Law stated that schools would be held accountable in providing education services to students with special needs. Additionally, Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), procedural safeguards, nondiscriminatory assessment, and parental participation were also addressed (Project IDEAL, 2013).

  • Board of Education v. Rowley

    This case was about a deaf child who was denied a sign-language interpreter by her elementary school. The school's reason was the child was performing at grade level without assistance. However, it was determined that the child was not receiving FAPE because the handicap held her back from achieving her full potential (Wright & Wright, 2006).

  • The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

    This act requires any student that does not have a stable residence will be provided access to school and the school will provide transportation as long as the child's living arrangements remain within the district (Wright & Wright, 2006). This ensures that regardless of the child's home life or living situations, they will receive FAPE just like their peers.

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act

    This law was created to protect all individuals with disabilities from being discriminated against. It is designed to include jobs, transportation, educational facilities, and any other place that is open to the general public (ADA National Network, 2019). Without this law people with disabilities could face discrimination.

  • No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB)

    This is the renamed and revised version of the law formerly known as Elementary and Secondary Education Act. With NCLB, all students are to have access to equal opportunities to reach proficiency on state standards and assessments (Wright & Wright, 2006). This is to include all students with special needs as well.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA)

    Formally known as The Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. IDEA was revised and renamed in 2004 to include education for students with disabilities to meet each individual's needs and prepare them for life after high school (Wright & Wright, 2007). There have been many revisions to IDEA since its introduction in 1975. IDEA is imperative to meet the needs, provide the most appropriate education, and protect the rights of all children with disabilities.

  • References

    ADA National Network. (updated 2019, July). What is the Americans with disabilities act (ADA)? Retrieved from https://adata.org/learn-about-ada Forte, J. (2017, October 4). History of special education: Important landmark cases. Retrieved from http://www.fortelawgroup.com/history-special-education-important-landmark-cases/ Project IDEAL. (2013) Special education public policy. Retrieved from http://www.projectidealonline.org/v/special-education-public-policy/

  • References

    Wright, P. W. D. & Wright, P. D. (2006). Wrightslaw: Special education law (2nd ed.). Hartfield, VA: Harbor House Law Press