Timeline of Legal Activities and Historical Events related to P-12 Students with Disabilities
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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
Supreme court case that established racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. This was the first case to influence special education by setting a precedent that all people, regardless of race or disability, have the right to a public education(347 U.S. 483) (Judicial) -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Major act to create equality and quality in schools. Major funding was also given special programs like special education and to help close achievement gaps (20 U.S. Code § 6301)(Administrative) -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in activities operated by federal funds (29 USC § 794) (Statutory Law) -
The Individuals with Disabilities Act
Establishes the right to special education and free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities.(20 USC 1400) (Statutory Law) -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
The act required public schools to provide free and appropriate education to individuals with disabilities and that they are placed in the least restrictive environments (Pub. L. 94-142)(20 U.S.C. 1411(b)(2)(Administrative) -
Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
First supreme court interpretation of the Education for All Handicap Children Act and set precedent for future court cases about the elements of FAPE (free appropriate public education) and establishing what is "appropriate" (458 U.S. 176) (Judicial) -
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination of individuals with disabilities in all public areas including education and transportation (42 USC § 12101) (Statutory Law) -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCBL)
Established that students with disabilities receive a high quality education and assessments had to include modifications/accommodations for students with disabilities. (20 U.S.C. § 6319 (2002)) (Administrative) -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1 (2017)
Supreme court case that influenced the interpretation of school responsibilities for students with disabilities. Particularly, this case held that the IEP (individualized education plan) must be calculated so the student can make appropriate progress (580 U.S. __ (2017))(Judicial) -
Current State of Special Education
IDEA and NCBL have made momentous milestones in special education. Funding has and will continue to be an issue because students with disabilities continue to require more staff and services. The elements of FAPE and defining "appropriate" will continue to be evaluated as programs continue to improve.
