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Supreme Court case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, stating that “separate but equal” is inherently unequal.
Impact: It laid the legal groundwork for inclusion of students with disabilities. It introduced the idea that exclusion from education based on any characteristic violates equal protection. It also encouraged inclusive practices and integration. Today’s classrooms strive to include students with disabilities in general education settings whenever possible. -
The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children sued the state for denying education to children deemed “uneducable.” The court ruled that all children are entitled to a free public education.
Impact: Affirmed educational rights for children with intellectual disabilities. Schools must evaluate and serve all students regardless of perceived ability. And introduced the concept of individualized education based on capacity. -
Seven children were denied education due to disabilities and cost concerns. The court ruled that financial limitations cannot justify exclusion. Impact: Reinforced the right to due process and equal access. It emphasized that all children must be provided with educational services, regardless of cost.
Classroom Implications: Schools must provide services even when budgets are tight. It also laid the foundation for procedural safeguards like IEP meetings and parental -
Prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs, including schools.
Section 504 was needed to stop discrimination and guarantee equal access for people with disabilities in federally funded programs
Impact: Broadened protections beyond IDEA. Covers students who may not qualify for special education but still need accommodations.
Classroom Implications: Teachers must provide accommodations (e.g., extended time, preferential seating) for students with 504 plans. -
Known as PL 94-142, this law mandated free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities and introduced Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Impact: Transformed special education by requiring schools to identify, evaluate, and serve students with disabilities.
Classroom Implications: Teachers must follow IEPs, collaborate with specialists, and ensure students are educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) -
Civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in all public domains, including schools.
Impact: Ensured physical accessibility and equal participation in school activities. The ADA was necessary to end widespread discrimination and ensure equal access, rights, and opportunities for people with disabilities.
Classroom Implications: Schools must be physically accessible and inclusive in extracurriculars. Teachers must consider accessibility in all aspects of instruction. -
Reauthorization of PL 94-142, renamed to reflect more respectful language. It added provisions for transition services and assistive technology.
Impact: Expanded services and rights for students with disabilities, especially in preparing for life after school.
Classroom Implications: Teachers must support students’ transition goals and integrate technology to aid learning. -
Strengthened accountability and required access to general curriculum. It emphasized measurable goals and participation in state assessments. IDEA was reauthorized in 1997 to boost inclusion, accountability, and access to general education for students with disabilities.
Impact: Shifted focus from access to outcomes. Schools were now responsible for student progress.
Classroom Implications: Teachers must align IEP goals with grade-level standards and include students in standardized testing. -
This Introduced Response to Intervention (RTI), streamlined IEP processes, and emphasized early identification.
Impact: Encouraged data-driven instruction and proactive support before formal diagnosis.
Classroom Implications: Teachers use RTI tiers to support struggling students and collaborate in early intervention efforts. -
Supreme Court ruled that IEPs must offer more than minimal progress; they must be “appropriately ambitious.”
Impact: Raised the standard for educational benefit under IDEA. Schools must aim for meaningful progress tailored to each student.
Classroom Implications: Teachers must set challenging goals and track progress rigorously. IEPs must reflect high expectations.