Special Education Laws: 1954-current

  • Brown vs. Board of Education

    Brown vs. Board of Education

    Brown vs. Board of Education granted the right to all people of color to attend public schools with everyone else. This is significant today because without this event, everyone would be segregated.
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    This act provided federal funding to primary and secondary schools to support professional development, instructional materials, resources to support educational programs, and parental involvement promotion.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    This law made it illegal to discriminate against anyone with a disability. People with disabilities have rights to the same things and benefits as people without disabilities.
  • Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

    Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

    Students with disabilities have access to FAPE, LRE's, and IEP's.
    Parents also gained access to their children's school records and are to be included in any changes made to their students plans.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

    Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

    Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in adulthood.
  • Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990

    Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990

    IDEA expands to include more disabilities to the list of eligible people, in response to the Education of All Handicapped Children.
  • Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997

    Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997

    IDEA regulations and disciplinary standards were updated and IEP requirements (documentations, confidentiality, etc.) were re-evaluated and added.
  • No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

    No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

    This law reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and it included Title I provisions applying to disadvantaged students.
  • Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA)

    This act mandated equality, accountability, and excellence for students with disabilities. It provided grants to states to grow their special education programs and research by allowing for more highly qualified teachers. The act also allowed for changes in Individualised Education Program short term goals.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    The ESSA reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.