Special Education Law Timeline

  • Brown vs. Board of Education

    Brown vs. Board of Education
    The Supreme Court ruled that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, which opened up the floor for more equality in the education system.
  • The Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
    Provided federal funding to states in order to benefit disadvantaged children, including the disabled, which also opened up more opportunities for them.
  • Diana v. State Board of Education

    Diana v. State Board of Education
    This helped end the wrong classifications of students in special education, and also put a stop to bias in IQ tests, also putting it in language appropriate for the students.
  • Mills v. Board of Education

    Mills v. Board of Education
    Following segregation being deemed unconstitutional, it was now deemed also unconstitutional to deny students with disabilities an education.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act
    This act started requiring schools to provide special education students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and established procedural safeguards.
  • Armstrong v. Kline

    Armstrong v. Kline
    After parents of a special education student noticed regression during summer break, they appealed to the plaintiffs and brought into effect the extended school year (ESY) for children with disabilities.
  • Hendrick Hudson School v. Rowley

    Hendrick Hudson School v. Rowley
    After the school was sued for taking away a deaf student's interpreter, the court ruled in favor of the school, and brought about knew meanings and definitions of FAPE, stating that students only need as much support as will allow them to benefit educationally.
  • Timothy W. v. Rochester School District

    Timothy W. v. Rochester School District
    A student was denied special education services because the school felt his disabilities were too severe. This brought about the "zero rejection" policy, meaning that schools could deny no student special education services, regardless of the severity of the disability.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Act

    Individuals with Disabilities Act
    This act added traumatic brain injuries and Autism as new categories of disability. It also added a transition element for students age 16 and older, along with "people first" language.
  • Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District

    Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
    Parents of a student sued the school for tuition after they were unable to provide a "meaningful education." Confusion in terminology led courts to discuss what schools are required to provide, but ended up ruling in favor of a higher standard of education to be set for special education students.