-
First Public Special Education Class in U.S.
On March 25, 1896, Rhode Island made educational history by opening the first public special education class in the United States. Rhode Island's progressive approach laid the foundation for the development of special education programs nationwide -
Founding of The CEC
Elizabeth E. Farrell along with a group of educators, established the Council for Exceptional Children with 12 members. Elizabeth E. Farrell served as CEC’s inaugural President from 1922 to 1926. In honor of Elizabeth E. Farrell, The CEC has established the Elizabeth E. Farrell Society. [Timetoast]https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/society-honor-elizabeth-e-farrell -
ARC Founded
The ARC (originally the Association for Retarded Citizens, now The Arc) was formed in the 1950s. It is a national organization advocating for the rights and inclusion of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. [Timetoast]https://thearc.org/about-us/history/ -
Assn. for Children with Learning Disabilities
Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (now known as the Learning Disabilities Association of America) formed from a group of parents with children who have disabilities convening a conference in Chicago about individauls with disabilities needs. Professionals from many backgrounds attended and discussions regarding inclusion, need, and equality was discussed. -
ESEA Enacted
In 1965, The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was enacted. It aimed to provide federal funding to improve education for disadvantaged students. Lyndon B. Johnson signed the document. -
First Special Olympics
The first Special Olympics was held at Soldier Field in Chicago. It was the first games held for young people with intellectual disabilities. [Timetoast]https://youtu.be/OiiUPbEhp80?si=UOac6fwlLjF3bHEo [Timetoast]https://www.specialolympics.org/about/history/the-beginning-of-a-worldwide-movement -
Mills Vs. Board of Education 1972
Mills Vs. Board of Education required schools to provide services despite the district's ability to pay for said service. -
Parc vs Pennsylvania 1972
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1972) established the right of children with intellectual disabilities to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. The law ensures that people with disabilities cannot be descriminated against when looking for employment or striving towards orther opportunities that should be fairly given out. [Timetoast]https://youtu.be/5JbMMZPDUj4?si=5v7zrWJRM6dIFXgm -
Educ. for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was signed into law by President Gerald Ford on November 29, 1975. EHA aimed to ensure that all children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The EHA required schools to create individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique needs and to provide services in the least restrictive environment possible. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) formally known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) until being reauthorized and renamed in 1990, is a federal law that ensures children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). IDEA has a stronger emphasis on inclusion and ensuring that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs. -
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
NCLB attempte to close achievement gaps and ensure that all students, regardless of background or ability, received a quality education. It received criticism for its heavy emphasis on standardized testing and misdirected accountability. [Timetoast]https://www.vox.com/2015/1/23/7877893/no-child-left-behind-esea-reauthorization -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 10, 2015. ESSA, reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), originally enacted in 1965. It intends to provide states with greater flexibility in designing and implementing education policies while maintaining a focus on improving educational outcomes for all students.