History of Special EducationNicole Wise

SPE/514 Survey of Special PopulationsSarah Wisdom

Influential Events in the History of Special Education

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Brown v. Board of Education, 1954Description: The separation of race in

education was ordained as unconstitutional because it did not give all children the right to an equal opportunity of learning. Brown v. Board ended “separate but equal” by ruling to desegregate black and white schools.

Significance to Special Education: This decision paved way for parents of children with disabilities to fight for an end to educational segregation and exclusion based on their child’s disability. (Gargiulo, 2014)

ESEA of 1965● Description: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

addressed the inequality of education for underprivileged children by providing resources that would guarantee all children access to an equal and quality education. The act funds primary and secondary schooling to support educational programs and instructional materials.

● Significance to Special Education: The ESEA’s provision of Title I funding has changed over time to enhance the way funding is used and allocated. As a result, school wide programs can make improvements to provide students with a better opportunity to learn.

(Wright, 2010)

P.A.R.C. v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1972

Description: The state of Pennsylvania must give children with intellectual disabilities, ages 6-21, a free public education no matter the degree of their disability or impairment. Parents were granted the right to partake in the educational decisions that affect their children’s learning.

Significance to Special Education: The judicial decision gave parents the ability have a voice in their child’s education. In addition, children with disabilities can now have an individualized education and be placed in the most integrated environment.

(Gargiulo, 2014)

Mills v. Board of Education, District of Columbia, 1972

Description: Mills extended the decision of P.A.R.C in that public education must include all students with disabilities regardless of their functional level. Students must be given a constructive education with specialized instruction. Parents also had the right to be notified of pending evaluations, classroom placements, suspensions, and termination of special services.

Significance to Special Education: These landmark cases led congress to further investigate the education of children with disabilities. After finding they were not receiving a proper education, legislation moved into congress the enactment of Public Law 94-142.

(Gargiulo, 2014)

Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 Description: Also known as Public Law 94-142, the act guaranteed children

with disabilities a free, public education in every state nation-wide. The mission of the law was to improve access to education for children with disabilities. Local educational agencies are held accountable to provide appropriate educational services for all handicapped children.

Significance to Special Education: The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHC) no longer limited the educational opportunities for students with special needs. Seeking out an education would now be more accessible than ever before.

(Wright, 2010)

Replacement of EAHC with IDEA, 1990 Description: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was

introduced to replace the EAHC by stating that children with disabilities are entitled to a free, public education and that the child’s education will be planned and monitored with the use of an individualized education program, also known as an IEP. The IEP will serve as a way to provide specialized instruction that meets the needs of the students.

Significance to Special Education: Students can receive an education that is geared toward their individual level of learning. The goals created by the IEP will help students to become successful scholars.

(Driscoll & Nagel, 2010)

ADA of 1990Description: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protection

to individuals with disabilities from discrimination based on race, sex, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Equal opportunity is provided in all areas including: employment, public accommodations, transportation, government services, and telecommunication.

Significance to Special Education: Any person with a disability is given an equal chance to work and make a living as his or hers peers. Thus, bringing a sense of meaning to their life and opening doors to more opportunities.

(U.S. Department of Education, 2006)

IDEA of 1997 and 2004

Refocus of IDEADescription: The focus of IDEA in 1997

shifted to improve teaching and learning. Emphasis was placed on enforcing individualized education plans to promote parent involvement in decision-making and to make learning more accessible to students with disabilities.

IDEA Improvement Act of 2004Description: Changes made to the act in

2004 were to take the main components and principles of IDEA and push them further to make a greater impact on students with special needs and educational programs.

● Significance to Special Education: The refocus and improvement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will ensure that children with disabilities are provided quality programs with highly educated teachers.

(Driscoll & Nagel, 2010)

Evolution of TerminologyTerms used in law to describe individuals with disabilities have been practiced

for years and years. However, the history of special education has shown changes in the way terminology is used by way of federal laws and acts of congress.

Examples of terminology that are considered to be outdated and offensive include:

idiot, imbecile, moron

burden, pity

In today’s society as people become more knowledgeable of special education, they learn to become more sensitive in their use of language.

(University of Florida Health, n.d.)

Changes in the Learning EnvironmentIn the past, the right to a free, public

education with quality programs has long been fought.

Today, the IDEA has enforced that students with disabilities should learn in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Meaning, students who receive special education should spend as much time with their non-disabled peers in the regular classroom to enhance socialization skills.

(Driscoll & Nagel, 2010)

Society’s View on Special EducationFor hundreds of years, society’s attitude towards people with disabilities have

been negative. Many have treated these people as incompetent individuals incapable of contributing to society.

As more laws and acts of congress have been passed, societal views have changed as people become aware and educated on the subject.

With integrated education and equal employment opportunities, society is learning to become more positive and accepting of individuals with disabilities.

(University of Florida Health, n.d.)

The Impact of Deficit ThinkingDeficit thinking in education can be seen as having lower expectations for

students who do not fit in with the traditional context of the school system.

By practice of deficit thinking, what educators believe might help “fix” the student will only further alienate and marginalize the student.

As a result, the teacher’s deficit attitude and perspective of the student could change. Common examples of deficit thinking are:

assuming children who come from low-income families are more difficult to teach

teaching lower-level classes are a form of punishment.

Allowing the teacher’s beliefs and pedagogies to cloud their thinking can ultimately interfere with the academic success of his or hers’ student.

(Simone, 2012)

ReferencesDriscoll, A. & Nagel, N. G. (2010, July 10). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Education.com. Retrieved February 20, 2016,

from http://www.education.com/reference/article/individuals-disabilities-education-act/

Gargiulo, R. M. (2014). Special Education in Contemporary Society: An Introduction to Exceptionality (5th ed.) [Vital Source]. Retrieved

February 18, 2016, from http://edge.sagepub.com/gargiulo5e

Simone, J. (2012). Addressing the Marginalized Student: The Secondary Principal’s Role in Eliminating Deficit Thinking. Retrieved February

20, 2016 from https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/31100/Simone_Joseph.pdf?sequence=1

University of Florida Health. (n.d.). Society’s Attitude Toward People with Disabilities. Retrieved February 20, 2016, from

http://paul-burtner.dental.ufl.edu/oral-health-care-for-persons-with-disabilities/societys-attitude-toward-people-with-disabilities/

U.S. Department of Education. (2006). Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Retrieved February 20, 2016, from

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq9805.html

Wright, P. (2010, November 29). The History of Special Education Law. Wrights Law. Retrieved February 20, 2016, from

http://www.wrightslaw.com/law/art/history.spec.ed.law.htm