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1817 BCE
First American School for the Deaf
Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc established the first permanent school for deaf children in
Hartford, Connecticut. This school marked the beginning of formal special education in the U.S. and
introduced sign language into classrooms. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The CEC is a professional organization made to advance the education of students with disabilities. It gives resources, advocacy and professional development.The CEC continues to advocate and bring better practice and standards in special education. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This landmark Supreme Court case declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.This case focused on racial equality, it created a critical legal foundation for later inclusion of students with disabilities.
It emphasized that 'separate but equal' is fully unequal, which was later used in arguments for inclusive special education. This court case is also one of the most famous educations cases in history. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 does not allow discrimination based on any disability in any government funded program, which includes schools. It helps secure access and accommodations to students who have disabilities. This law is for studdents who need support but may not qualify under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act also know as Public Law 94-142, demands public school to give free public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities. This act also created IEPs ,making it a huge mileston for children with disabilities because it gave education to all children. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA is a civil rights law that forbids discrimination against people with disabilities in public spaces.In education it makes sure that students have complete access to activities, school buildings and all services.It goes hand in hand with IDEA creating equal opportunities for everyone. -
IDEA
[Timetoast]https://youtu.be/66g6TbJbs2g?si=YeuutTGbxXE6eM8V
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) changed the 1975 law and added more accommodations and protections to students with disabilities.It has schools create IEPs for all students that need and involves parents in the decision making.This law makes sure that student with disabilities have an education tailored to their needs in the least restrictive environment. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
NCLB requires schools to test all their students including students with disabilities, this is to report everyones progress. This was made to close achievement gaps and hold schools accountable based on their students level. This law had a big impact on how special education students were included in full assessments. -
IDEA Reauthorization
In 2004 there was an update to IDEA in alignment with NCLB putting emphasis on result-driven accountability. It also focused on the importance of early intervention and enhancing dispute resolution between schools and families. This also added a better explanation on IEP requirements and the students progress. -
Response to Intervention (RTI)
[Timetoast]https://www.interventioncentral.org/
RTI is a 3 tier approach that finds and helps struggling students early. It uses many different screenings and data which increases intervention levels.RTI can help decide if a students need special education or more support in general education. -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
This more recent supreme court case explained the standard for free appropriate public education (FAPE). The court decided that school have to offer an IEP that allows for big progress and not just minimal benefit. This made a big impact for special education, raising the educational programs under IDEA.