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The History of Special Education
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Isolate Schools in Rural Place
Beginning in the 1850s, the rise of schools for the disabled gave children with disabilities more opportunities. However, these educational institutions were frequently situated in remote regions. Although it is a small step, it aims in the right direction because, before this event, most children with disabilities either did not go to school, were taught at home, or were able to learn if their parents paid for private schools or private tutoring. -
The First Public Special Education Class
In 1896, Rhode Island opened the first public special education class in the United States. This helped lay the framework for other special education programs, such as bringing recognition to the needs of students with disabilities. Because attention was addressed to these students, the decision of Rhode Island to establish such a school marks the beginning of how disabled students are being incorporated into a regular education system. -
First Special Olympics
The first Special Olympics game took place in Chicago at Soldier Field in 1968. The event allowed disabled people to have fun without worrying about negative stereotypes. Athletes were allowed to participate in events that demonstrated their skills. As a result, spectators saw the importance of creating environments in which disabled people could thrive. 1968 Games -
Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act)
- First civil rights law protecting people with disabilities.
- The first act to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, was passed in 1973. This act forbids others to deny them services or opportunities solely based on their physical or mental condition, thus improving life conditions for many.
- It also served to carve out the path to slowly give disabled people the same opportunities, education, jobs, and services as others.
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EAHCA (Public Law 94-142)
- 1975, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142)(EAHCA) was signed into law on November 29, 1975. It required states to provide free and appropriate education to children with disabilities, including severe disabilities.
- It made it was mandatory for schools to treat disabled students equally as well as to provide them with a free and appropriate education.
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EAHCA Renamed to IDEA
- 1990, IDEA was passed in 1990. Students had the right to attend the general education curriculum.
- The EAHCA was renamed into the Individuals with Disabilities Act in 1990. It was revised to give students with disabilities the right to be able to learn the same material in a regular classroom as other students. Furthermore, this law helped students be more inclusive towards students with disabilities and improved school environments to one that is more fair.
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IDEA was Reauthorized
- In 1997, IDEA was reauthorized under President Clinton.
- This act amended to require the inclusion of students with disabilities in statewide and districtwide assessments, measurable IEP goals and objectives, functional behavioral assessment, and behavior intervention plans for students with emotional or behavioral needs.
- Create goals in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) so their progress can be measured.
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No Child Left Behind
- On January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). It reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
- The goal of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is to require all public schools to increase accountability and be responsible for students’ academic progress. The law emphasizes annual standard tests and reports students’ performance. No Child Left Behind
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IDEA Changes 2004
- The Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 maintained the spirit of inclusive education. It revised to reflect advances in knowledge related to the assessment and identification of children with disabilities.
- It aimed to raise the quality of education by making sure that students with disabilities can get help sooner before any delays could occur. It also raised the bar for special education teachers to make sure they could achieve the amount of support the students need.
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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), was signed into law by President Obama on December 10, 2015.
- The purpose of this act was to ensure that all children with disabilities have a free and appropriate public education. This act emphasized special education and related services designed to meet students' unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.
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Endrew F. v. Douglas County
The case of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District happened in 2017, involving an autistic boy who has made little progress on his IEP goals. As a result, it is argued that the school has provided minimal effort to help the boy improve. In the end, the Supreme Court ruled that schools must provide meaningful educational benefits.