Hedgesville high school

History of Special Education Law

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    This court case paved the way for court cases involving students with disabilities and the federal law requiring the education of students with disabilities.
  • The Training of Professional Personnel Act

    Legislation to start training leaders in how to teach people with special needs.
  • PL89-10 The Elementary and Secondary Education Act and PL89-313 State Schools Act

    Legislation that provided direct grant assistance to states providing services to help educate children with disabilities.
  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504

    This represented the first civil rights legislation for individuals with disabilities.
  • PL 94-142 Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    Every child in every state would be guaranteed a free and appropriate public education aka FAPE. No longer would the special needs population be excluded and remain hidden at home or in state institutions. Prior to this only 1 in 5 students with special needs was being serviced in the school setting, so began the effort to "search and serve" them. In other words, they would find them and provide access to education also known as "Child Find."
  • PL 99-457 Amendment to Education for Handicapped Act

    Previous to this ages 3-21 were being serviced, however this amendment would include children from 0-3 so early intervention services could be utilized.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Under President Bush, this was a civil rights law. It prohibits discrimination in the private sector. It gives equal access such as braille ATMs, designated parking spaces, ramps, sidewalks with cutouts, elevators, sound sensors at cross walks.
  • PL 101-476 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    This changed the name from EHA to IDEA. 6.5 million people are eligible for services.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    This is the amended version of PL 94-142 from 1975. It includes transition services for students moving from high school to adult living. Transition planning will begin at age 14. It also requires schools to report progress to parents at often as their non-disabled peers. It also supports providing qualified teachers to teach special education.
  • No Child Left Behind NCLB PL: 107-110

    This law holds districts and states accountable for the progress of all students. Signed into effect by President George Bush, it was a landmark education-reform act. It's the nation's latest general education law. It amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
  • IDEA

    This was an amended version of IDEA. They modified the discipline provisions (SWDs can be removed from the school setting with stipulations). It helped it move into better alignment with NCLB. IEP Team membership was specified. Directives were given for IEP objectives to be added when an alternate test such as APTA or the DLM was being administered. Now parents can put in writing their wishes in the form of a "revocation of consent." The parent definition was broadened.
  • Assistive Technology Act

    With the increase in the use of technology, this act mandates access for individuals needed assistive technology such as augmentative devices, large screen readers, and wheelchairs.
  • IDEA

    The focus is on performance and progress. We are concerned about the quality of the education program and services. Continuing to improve equality of access