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The Compulsory Law came into effect in Florida around 1915 to ensure all children ages 7-16 is regularly attending school. The Compulsory Law regulated the who can attend by the radius of distance from the school, length of instruction, attendance, and qualifications to be a teacher. Annually this law is revisited and revised to adjust specifics such as age of attendance, enforcement of attendance, inclusivity within the environment and instruction, curriculum and provisions, such as IEPs. -
The Florida Council of Exceptional Children is an association made up of educators who are dedicated to advance the success of children with exceptionalities. The core values of visionary thinking, integrity, and inclusiveness drive the mission. The organization provides inclusive practice through teacher training, policy advocacy, and family support.
Florida Council of Exceptional Children -
Initially created to end racial segregation, this case was the beginning of inclusion of in public school. This case laid the groundwork for future changes within the school system to allow equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities. Later, Brown V. Board of Education laid legal precedent for IDEA.
Brown V Board of Education Impact on SpEd -
FL Diagnostic Learning Resources Program is funded through IDEA as a project of the Florida DoE Bureau to support Florida's Plan of student achievement, articulation and access, skilled workforce and economic development, and services. FLDRS offers services, training, and resources to families and school personnel in every district. The key services provided are Child Finds, parent and family services, human resource development and tech assistance to students and teachers. -
The added Section 504 law made it illegal for any program that receives money from a federal level to discriminate against someone with a disability. It was made to give every body an equal opportunity and equal access. Section 504 requires students with disabilities be learning and interacting with their typical peers in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Later, helped the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws to promote inclusivity. -
Education for All Handicap Children Act law was enacted to ensure that all handicapped children have access to special education and related services that are designed to meet their needs. The requirements ensure that all handicapped children have a right to free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for ages 3-18, Individual education plans (IEPs) are established, reviewed, and revised, and the local educational agency will maintain records. Later, this will be revised as IDEA. -
The passing of ADA was to guaruntee the protections for people with disabilities and remove barriers that limit their full participation in society. This promises individuals with disabilities equal opportunities in employment, government services, public spaces, transportation, and communication. In schools, this required children to receive services in the Least Restricted Environment (LRE) with their typical peers in the general education classroom. -
IDEA was updated in 1997 to ensure students with disabilities were included with their general education classrooms and school activities. This allowed students to have accurate goals and curriculum as other students when creating the IEP. The IDEA of 1997 focused on regulating the IEP to include measurable goals, giving parents the ability to be apart of the team, and ensuring the child had access to general curriculum. IDEA was later updated in 2004. -
FIN is a statewide initiative that focuses on supporting students with disabilities in the educational system. FIN works in all Florida school districts to provide customized support and services ensuring all students have the same educational, social, and future opportunities as their peers. They provide coaching and resources for school personnel, provide student-focused planning and problem solving, professional learning, and build collaborative relationships with families and schools. -
The Florida Readiness Act was created to improve early childhood education and ensure that children were set up for success in the beginning stages. The key points include expanding early intervention services for children with developmental delays or disabilities, increase preschool programs for low-income and at-risk children, promote inclusion, and establishing accountability.
Fl School Readiness