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Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Public Law 89-10
This law was passed in order to support efforts in assisting low-income families to ensure their access to high-quality education. Not only does the law help provide free and/or reduced lunches, it also provides additional teachers in communities at a disadvantage. The law supports children who are in need of additional support and, with this support, can benefit from public school education. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA) Public Law 93-110, Section 504
This law clearly defines the words 'handicapped person' and 'appropriate education'. Due to this law, it is prohibited to discriminated against students with disabilities in programs funded at the federal level. The law provides security for those students with disabilities in federally funded programs. -
Educational Amendments Act- Public Law 93-380
The law grants federal funds to states for programs for exceptional learners. It also provides federal funding for programs for gifted or talented students. Lastly, the law grants students and their families the right of due process in special education placement. -
Education For All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) Public Law 94-142 Part B
This law is known as the "Mainstreaming Law" and requires states to provide appropriate and free public education for children with disabilities. The law also requires individualized education programs, or IEPs. Lastly, the law defines "least restrictive environment'. -
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments- Public Law 99--457
The law requires states to extend free and appropriate education to children with disabilities. This now includes children ages 3 to 5 years of age. It also establishes early intervention programs for children aged birth to 2 years old for those children with disabilities. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Public Law 101-336
The law prohibits discrimination of people with disabilities in a private sector. It also protects equal opportunities to things such as employment, public services, transportation, telecommunications, and accommodations. Lastly, it defines "disability" as someone who could also have AIDS. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Public Law 101-476
People first language is created due to this law and it extends special education opportunities to include social work, assistive technology, and rehabilitation services. Autism and traumatic brain injuries are now considered disabilities. Due process and confidentiality is extended to students and parents. Bilingual education programs are now provided by the states for students with disabilities. States are also required to support students in transitioning into employment positions. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Public Law 105-17
Even students that have been expelled from school will receive support if they have disabilities. States were required to extend their developmental delay stage to age 9. Schools assume greater responsibility in providing students with disabilities with access to general education curriculum. Special education staff working in mainstream classrooms are also allowed to help general education students. General education teachers must be part of the IEP team. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
Increases the school's accountability for all students including those of minority and special needs. Offers open enrollment for students of failing schools. Implements early reading support. Provides more flexibility in how states can apply federal funds as long as accountability standards are met. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement (IDEIA) Public Law 108-446
Response to Intervention (RTI) was implemented for determining if a child has a specific learning disability. This increased federal funding for early intervention services to students who do not need special education services. The law eliminated short term objectives in an IEP except for those who do not take statewide achievement assessments. The standards were raised for special education licensure as well because of this law.
