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Brown v. Board of Education- Civil Rights Movement
The field of special education was established in the early 1950s, largely in response to the Civil Rights Movement. The movement laid the foundation for children with disabilities to have the right to a free and appropriate public education. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
This act was implemented to address inequality in education. This legislation ensured that disadvantaged students had access to quality education. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities who are involved in activities that receive federal funding, such as school clubs or sports. Section 504 in education ensures that students have equal access to opportunities, and schools must provide appropriate accommodations through a 504 plan. -
Education for all Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
EAHCA, also known as Public Law 94-142, mandated that schools were responsible for providing educational services to all children with disabilities. Schools must evaluate students' special education needs, develop an individualized education program, and include the legal guardians in the process. This law protects the rights of children and their families through "procedural safeguards." -
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
This civil rights law protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination based on special education needs. ADA makes certain that those with disabilities have the same rights as those who do not. In addition, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. This law also aims to assist those with disability in becoming self-sufficient. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA is a federal law that mandates students with disabilities have access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Schools are required to provide students with specialized instruction and related services, such as occupational therapy, to meet their individual needs. Individuals ages 3 to 21 are covered under IDEA. -
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB)
This federal law reformed the ESEA to improve education for all students through increased accountability of the schools. The purpose of this improvement act is to set high standards and develop measurable goals. Standardized testing is required starting at the third grade, and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) must be collected to ensure mastery/ proficiency in tested subjects. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This federal law replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2015 with revisions that include all students must receive high-quality education and are prepared for college and careers through college and career readiness programs. Local school districts have more control in developing their own systems for measuring student success.