-
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
This law pointed out the importance of having equal educational opportunities for all students. In addition, promoting high standards for all involved was emphasized and having additional resources for students at risk was incorporated. Example: Providing scholarships for lower-income students. Website: https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/current-law-and-policy-priorities/current-law/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-(esea) -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (aka 504)
This law gave individuals with disabilities equal access to services. This act prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in institutions that are regulated by federal agencies or receive federal financial assistance. Example: Section 504 forbids employers that have federal contracts from employees and applicants that have a disability. Website: https://www.askearn.org/topics/laws-regulations/rehabilitation-act/ -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act or Public Law (PL) 94-142
This law made certain that all children with disabilities will receive a free and appropriate public education. This law was to promote improving education for students with disabilities. Example: The law included improving how students with disabilities were identified and educated and also evaluating the success of the efforts that were put in. Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/idea35/history/index_pg10.html -
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
This law addresses the needs of individuals with disabilities by preventing discrimination and making sure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunity as people without disabilities. Example: Federal funded agencies have to provide access such as building ramps to allow for the same opportunity of entering the building as others. Website: https://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm -
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
This law replaced the Education of the Handicapped Act and emphasized that each students education will be monitored. The child's progress can be monitored with an individualized education plan (IEP) and can include an individualized family service plan. Example: Creating goals on an IEP that are appropriate for an individual student to help the student succeed. Website: https://www.education.com/reference/article/individuals-disabilities-education-act/ -
No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act had the goal of making sure all students, regardless of race, gender, or disability, would receive an appropriate education by seeing what progress was made and what additional steps need to be taken. It is now known as Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Example: Taking note of children's success rates on test and making the appropriate accommodations to show continuous growth and improvement. Website: https://www.ed.gov/essa -
IDEA Improvement Act
Included in this act was to goal to help children learn better by promoting accountability for results, using evidence-based research practices, and having more room for flexibility with less paperwork for everyone involved. Example: Progress monitoring should occur weekly in schools to make sure intervention practices are working for students because if not, changes need to take place. Website: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/idea/ -
The Every Student Succeeds Act
This act is the latest version of the No Child Left Behind Act and has the goal of preparing all students for success in their future. To promote that, all students will be held to high academic standards. Example: By using evidence-based practices in the classroom, teachers are ensuring that what they are teaching works, and will benefit the students. Website: https://www.ed.gov/essa
