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Brown v. Board of Education
In one of the most well known civil right cases, the ruling in this case stated that separate but equal schools were unfair and that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. This court ruling was one of the first steps in the ongoing battle for equal education despite a persons race or ethnicity. -
Lev Vygotsky's book, Thought and Language is introduced to the English-speaking world
Vygotsky introduced many important theories and ideas to education which help us understand how children learn. His social learning theory emphasizes the impact a child's community has on their development. -
The Civil Rights Act becomes law
Ended school segregation and banned discrimination based on a persons race, sex, religion or national origin. This had a tremendous impact on our country and although it did not happen over night it became the first step in ensuring all children could receive equal rights when it comes to education. -
Project Head Start
Provided another step towards education equality by allowing children from low income backgrounds access to preschool. This program is so important and successful that is is still in place today. -
Diana v. California State Board
This case marks an important turn in multicultural education, because of this case students who are non native English speakers must be allowed to test in their primary language before being referred to special education. This case brings attention to the needs of bilingual students and is an important step in understanding how culture shapes a students understanding and knowledge. It also brings attention to the need for differentiated ways of testing a students knowledge. -
The Indian Education Act
The Indian Education Act is a significant event in multicultural education because it acknowledges the specific learning needs of a cultural group. Although it later became a part of the No Child Left Behind Act this important event brings attention to the fact that culture not only shapes who we are it also has an impact on how we learn. -
Education of All Handicapped Children Act
Allowed handicapped children to receive free public education. This meant that schools had to accommodate these students special needs. It is another step in ensuring education equality for all children regardless their background. -
Refugee Education Assistance Act
Provided aid to educational institutions that were impacted by the large group of Cuban and Haitian refugees that were entering the country. This support allowed these refugees to receive an education upon entering this country by providing support to schools that were impacted by their arrival. -
Plyler v Doe
Supreme court case that ruled that not providing free public education to undocumented children is a violation of the 14th amendment. Although the case occurred in Texas it set an example for the rest of the country and protected the right of undocumented children to have access to an equal education. -
Sylvia Mendez awarded the Presidential Metal of Freedom
Although the case Mendez v. Westminster and the California board of education was fought in 1945 it has not been included in many historical accounts about segregation or discrimination in education. The case was important for Mexican students in California and other minorities. The awarding of the Presidential Metal of Freedom for Sylvia Mendez brings attention to the people who have fought for equal rights and have created change by doing so.
