The Foundation of Special Education

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Apr 9, 1965

This act began the supportive role of the federal government in providing education for students with diverse backgrounds and disabilities largely by providing grants for states to "create and improve" their programs. Prior to this law, students with disabliites were not included in public education even after repeated court cases contested this policy. This law was important because it began to open the doors of our schools to all children.

Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)

Sep 26, 1973

This act gave a first definition of "appropriate education". This is an important step in the history of education because it is the beginning of seeing learners as individuals with unique needs. Defining an "appropriate" education is still something that is still discussed and debated today. However, this law was the first step in considering what resources our learners need.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)

Nov 29, 1975

The most important aspect of this law is that it "requires states to provide a free and appropriate education for children with disabilities (ages 5 -18)". After the passing of this law, 'known as the mainstreaming law" students with disabilities needed to be identified and resources provided for them in the general classroom setting whenever possible. This is the foundation of special education today.

Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments

Oct 8, 1986

These amendments support early intervention for children with disabilities or developmental delays. It extended FAPE to children ages three to five. It also developed early intervention programs for children ages birth to two years. "Early intervention enhances the development of children...the goals of early intervention are to: enhance the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their child, maximize the potential for independent living, and reduce costs to our society."

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Oct 30, 1990

This law replaced EAHCA and increases the regulations on what is considered to be free and appropriate education. This law is significant because, with its ammendments, it continues to govern "how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disablities." Another important aspect of this law is that it "establishes "people-first" langauge.

Individuals with Disabilites Education Act (IDEA) Amendments

Jun 4, 1997

One important aspect of this act is that requires schools to ensure students are in the least restrictive environment by having access to a general education classroom and including the general education teacher on the IEP team. Furthermore, students with disabilities are required to take the same assessments as all other students. This is important because it works to ensure that students with disabilites are still being held to high expectations of learning.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)

Dec 3, 2004

This act allows schools to use a response-to-intervention (RTI) method for determining if a student is struggling or may have a learning disability. This is important for providing learning support for all students and ensuring their needs are met through the tiered levels of instruction. Furthermore, this act provides increased federal funds for early intervention services for students who do not require special education services.