Special Education Timeline

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    Brown v. Board of Education

    Supreme Court rules that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional; setting examples for the rights of students with disabilities to have equal education.
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Federal law which is aimed to provide equal access to elementary and secondary education; especially for disadvantaged students
  • Mills v. Board of Education

    Mills v. Board of Education

    Case that established the right of students with disabilities to receive a public education, regardless of the cost of their accommodations.
  • Rehabilitation Act

    Rehabilitation Act

    Federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Ensures that those with disabilities have equal access to education, employment and services that are provided by federal agencies.
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

    Federal law that protects the privacy of students' education records and gives parents the right to access their child's education records
  • Education of the Handicapped Act

    Education of the Handicapped Act

    U.S. law that enforced free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities. Aimed to protect the rights of children with disabilities, making sure they receive the proper services they require.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Prohibits disability discrimination in all public areas, including educational settings.
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    This act reauthorized ESEA and aimed to close to close the achievement gap between students, particularly students with disabilities and minority students.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    IDEA ensures that students who have disabilities will receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) modified to their individual needs. IDEA consists of 6 components, Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Individualized Education Program (IEP), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Appropriate Evaluation, Parent and Teacher Participation, and Procedural Safeguards.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    Educational law in the U.S. that aims to ensure fair education for all students. Replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NLCB).