Special Education Laws & Cases Since 1954 By: Maricella Guerra

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas

May 17, 1954

This case ended segregation in schools. It is very important because it opened up the doors for special education and their decision in arguing that kids with disabilities cannot be excluded from public schools.

Diana v. State Board of Education

Dec 31, 1970

This case brought up the issue of class placement. From this case IQ tests cannot be used to determine where to place children in programs for individuals with academic disability.

Lau v. Nichols

Jan 21, 1974

This case established equal educational opportunity. This established and required schools to have special language programs for English learners so they have equal opportunity.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act, (P.L. 94-142)

Nov 30, 1975

This law was created as a second part to the Education of the Handicapped Act in 1966. This law guaranteed free and an appropriate public education to every child.

Agostini v. Felton

Jun 23, 1997

This case helped children who were in private schools to get help from special educators. Special educators could now provide services in private schools.

Cedar Rapids Community School District v. Garret F.

Mar 3, 1999

This case made it more clear that schools are required to provide "school health services" as long as they can be serviced by a qualified school nurse or another qualified person.

No Child Left Behind Act (P.L. 107-110)

Jan 8, 2001

This law was passed in hopes to improve academic achievement in all students. This law requires that all students test annually so their academic progress is being measured. for example, state testing is one.

Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (P.L. 100-407)

Oct 25, 2004

This law allowed and provides the use of technology to assist disabled persons to help aid them to function equally with their piers.

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) 2004 (P.L. 108-446)

Dec 3, 2004

This law was reauthorized with new outcomes of educational services for students who have disabilities. This law also includes disabled persons from 6-21 to have an individualized education program.

Doug v. Hawaii

Jun 15, 2013

This case relates to the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act. This case is about having parents not be present for the IEP (individualized education program) meetings. It is around the parental rights that the parents have as well as the Childs rights.