History of Special Education Law

By Joana Amo-Asante

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    •Landmark Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
    •Although not directly related to special education, it laid the foundation for later inclusion efforts.

  • PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania case that ruled that children with intellectual disabilities had a right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

  • Armstrong v. Kline

    Pennsylvania case that extended the PARC ruling to children with disabilities beyond just intellectual disabilities.

  • Mills v. Board of Education

    A court case that paved the way for disabled students to have access to equal public education even if they are unable to pay for the cost of the education.

  • Rehabilitation Act - Section 504:

    Legislation that prohibited discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs, including public schools.

  • Education for All Handicapped Children's Act (PL 94-142):

    Landmark legislation that required a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities and provided federal funding for special education.

  • Larry P. v. Riles (1971-1979)

    A federal court ruling that prohibited the use of IQ tests to be the sole determinant to placing students in alternative educational programs.

  • Hendrick Hudson School District v. Rowley:

    Supreme Court case that established the "meaningful access" standard for FAPE, not requiring the best possible education, but an appropriate one.

  • Irving Independent School District v. Tatro:

    Supreme Court case that clarified that related medical services (such as catheterization) must be provided as part of FAPE under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

  • Burlington School Committee v. Department of Education (DOE):

    Supreme Court case that established the "stay-put" provision, ensuring students remain in their current educational placement during disputes.

  • EHA Amendment:

    An amendment to the Education for All Handicapped Children's Act, enhancing provisions related to the education of students with disabilities.

  • Honig v. Doe:

    Supreme Court case that reaffirmed the "stay-put" provision and clarified that schools cannot suspend students with disabilities for behavior related to their disabilities.

  • Danny R.R. v. State Board of Education:

    California case that reinforced the requirement to provide FAPE in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

  • Board of Education in Sacramento CA v. Holland:

    Supreme Court case that clarified that schools must provide related services that are necessary for children with disabilities to benefit from their education.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

    Legislation that extended anti-discrimination protections to individuals with disabilities in various areas, including education.

  • Oberti v. Board of Education

    A federal court case that gave students with disabilities the right to be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment alongside their non-disabled peers, to the greatest extent possible.

  • Gaskin v. Commonwealth of PA (1994-2005).

    A court ruling that enforces that Pennsylvania Department of Education will enforce IDEA and case law for placement decisions, consolidate support for special education students, provide information on supplementary aids, and promote inclusivity in school districts.

  • EHA/IDEA Amendment:

    An amendment to the Education for All Handicapped Children's Act, renaming it as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

  • Cedar Rapids Community School District v. Garrett F

    Supreme court case that ruled that the 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school boards to provide continuous nursing services to disabled students who need them during the school.

  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB):

    Legislation that aimed at improving education outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities, by increasing accountability and standards in schools.

  • IDEA Amendment:

    An amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, strengthening provisions related to accountability, access to the general curriculum, and parent involvement.

  • Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District:

    Supreme Court case that clarified the standard for FAPE, requiring more than just minimal progress for students with disabilities.