-
The U.S. Supreme Court declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This sets the foundation for the argument that “separate is not equal,” influencing later court cases and laws that extended equal educational opportunities to students with disabilities. -
Provided federal funding to improve education for disadvantaged children. This opened the door for federal involvement in supporting students with special needs. -
The court required Washington D.C. public schools to provide education to all children with disabilities. This reinforced the right of all children, regardless of disability or financial status, to free public education. -
The first federal civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Which guaranteed that students with disabilities could not be excluded from programs receiving federal funding. -
Required public schools to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Thus creating the foundation towards modern special education, introducing IEPs and due process rights for parents and students. -
A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public life. -
Required that students with disabilities have access to the general curriculum and participate in state assessments. Creating a shifted focus toward inclusion and accountability for student's achievement. -
Aimed to improve education by increasing accountability, expanding parental options, and improving teaching methods based on scientifically-based research. -
Aligned IDEA with NCLB, added requirements for highly qualified special education teachers, emphasized research-based practices, and early intervention. -
Designed to replace and update the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps -
Established a higher standard for IEPs, requiring they be more than just a minimal benefit. Stating
schools must develop an IEP that is "reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child's circumstances."