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May 17,1954, Brown v. Board of Education
The civil rights law ended separating children in public schools based on their race. However, this law laid the foundation for special education requiring access to free appropriate public education for all children with a disability. -
August 14, 1959, PL 86-158 Training of Professional Personnel Act
The federal legislation that supported to help train leaders to educate children with disabilities. This law provided funds to help train teachers who work with birth through adolescents with disabilities as well as their families. Today, PL 86-158's legacy continues to help better coach teachers who work with students with disabilities. -
September 22, 1961, PL 87-276 Teachers of Deaf Act
The US federal law enacted in 1961 helped address the shortage of qualified teachers for children who were deaf and hard of hearing. This act aimed to increase the number of teachers by providing grants in aid to institutions of higher education to improve teacher training. Today the Teacher of Deaf Act ( PL 87-276) continues to fund and support training of specialized educators for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. -
July 2, 1964, Education and Title Vl of Civil Rights Act of 1964
This law prevents discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal funding. This law was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Title Vl of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 continues to be relevant and have a great influence in education today. -
April 11, 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
Title Vl Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson this was initially designed to address educational inequities by providing federal funds to schools with high numbers of students from low-income families. This focus indirectly helped special education students with disabilities who also came from disadvantaged backgrounds. -
September 26, 1973, PL 93-112 The Rehabilitation Act, section 504
This is a US federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs or activities that receive federal funding. It ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and benefits in these programs, including education, employment as well as housing. -
November 19, 1975, PL 94-142 The Education of All Handicapped Children Act
This act guaranteed a free appropriate public education to all children with a disability. The act emphasized designed services to each child's unique needs. Another great aspect is that it ensured the rights of children and parents with disabilities. The law assists states to provide services and to ensure the effectiveness of services. -
June 4, 1997, PL 105-17 Individuals with Disabilites Act Amendments
This act aimed to strengthen the relationship to the general curriculum. It also changed the evaluation process of special education and it modified the construction of IEP regarding state wide and district wide tests. In addition to adding behavioral and discipline procedures. -
June 27, 2001 PLO 107-110 No Child Left Behind ACT
This law ensured that teachers are expected to be highly qualified in their subject area. The educational reform increased expected levels of all children including students with disabilities. -
January 5, 2004, PL 108-446 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments
The law emphasizes accountability for results and improved outcomes for students with disabilities, aligning with the No Child Left Behind Act. It mandates that all special education teachers meet qualifications and that they are equipped to provide effective instruction. Today special education programs make sure that IEP requirements and procedural safeguards are put into place.