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Special Education Timeline
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Brown vs Board of Education
- Brown decided to sue the Board of Education after his daughter, a black student, was denied entry into her an all white neighborhood school, as she was forced to attend an all black school. When taken to court, it was ruled that separate educational facilities were unequal.
- Though changes did not happen immediately, this ruling helped with integration was considered an achievement for civil rights. It was determined that school districts should not discriminate those with disabilities.
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Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
- Description: This law was signed into office in 1965 by former President Johnson who created the law as a way to create educational opportunities for lower income students.
- Impact: ESEA had the goal of providing grants, textbooks, scholarships, and funding for special education centers for lower-income college students. This law was later to be remembered by President Obama when he developed the Every Student Succeeds Act.
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Mills versus The Board of Education of the District of Columbia
- Description: This case started from the case where students with disabilities were excluded from public education.
- Impact: The case helped to pave the way for the passing of IDEA as it allowed for children between the ages of 6 and 21 years old to be educated regardless of whether or not they have a disability.
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Description: This act prohibits the discrimination of an individual based on their disability. In schools, this act allows for children with disabilities to be protected. Specifically speaking, by protecting children with the right to have a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
- Impact: Notably this act is still present today, as under Section 504, children with disabilities can receive aid and services that help to create success both inside and outside the classroom.
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Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
- Description: Known as Public Law 94-142. 1st federal special education law for all children with disabilities to have the right to an education. It established processes for state and districts to be held responsible for providing educational services.
- Impact: This law was established to provide children with disabilities an education and due process of the law, but has since been reauthorized and now provides a system of "procedural safeguards" that protect children and their parents.
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Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
Description: Rowley was a deaf student whose parents took action with the school to provide her with the best services, including an IEP. As Amy did well in school, her interpreter was removed from her and she was only given FM hearing aids. Upon objection from her parents, they took the case to court. The court first argued that Amy was denied rights, but then reversed their decision. Impact: The court declared that they will question less if schools are complying with protections of EAHCA. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Description: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal law that was signed into law after EAHCA and mandates that every school meets the needs of children with disabilities by providing them with a Free Appropriate Public Education in the least restrictive environment. IDEA serves children from the ages of birth through 21 years of age.
- Impact: IDEA still remains one of the most influential laws in special education today as it has been amended multiple times.
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No Child Left Behind Act
- Description: This act was enacted by former President Bush and brings to light an opportunity for all students to make progress and receive additional support in the classroom so that they do not fall behind academically.
- Impact: This act, while does receive some controversy, does aim to help students regardless of their race, parent's income, background, cultural language or disability. This act was to be revised in 2007 however became too difficult for staff and educators.
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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Description: The act was singed into law but Obama and reauthorizes the the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This act services helps to promote equity to children with disabilities and disadvantaged students. It also helps to promote information to parents and educators about student's progress through assessments. Impact: This law followed the No Child Left Behind Act in the early 2000s and created an opportunity for all students to be better prepared for college and their careers. -
Endrew F. vs Douglas County
- Endrew was a student with autism who attended a private school after his parents felt that his needs were not being met. His parents requested a reimbursement for his education from the private school. Upon refusal from the school, his parents when to court.
- The court argued that the school had done their part. However, they reversed their decision and stated that he must make progress in his IEP goals. Their decision said that all children should have a chance to meet difficult goals.