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1966—Elementary and Secondary Education Act
(Amendments): Creates Bureau of Education of the Handicapped.
Establishes federal grants to help educate special-needs students
with disabilities in local schools rather than state institutions.
At left, President Lyndon Johnson with the first lady at the signing.
1975—Education for All Handicapped Children Act: Requires school
districts receiving federal funds to provide a free and appropriate
public education in the least restrictive environment to special-needs
children. Mandates creation of an individualized education program
for such students. Establishes procedures for parents to challenge
related decisions about their children.
1990—Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Revised
and renamed version of 1975 law adds autism and traumatic brain
injury to categories of special education. Calls for transition
services to help older students prepare for post-secondary education,
employment and independent living.
1997—IDEA reauthorization: Expands school administrators
authority to discipline special education students in certain situations
to include removal to alternative education settings for up to 45
days. Prohibits cutting off educational services to special-education
students who are expelled.
2002—No Child Left Behind Act: Requires all students to take
annual assessment tests although states can make reasonable accommodations
for those with disabilities. Special-education teachers must be
"highly qualified" in core subjects they teach. At left, President
Bush talking up the law at an Arkansas school.
2004—IDEA reauthorization: Requires all special education teachers
to hold at least a bachelors degree and full state certification.
Places a two-year statute of limitations on parents ability file
a complaint or request a hearing regarding childs treatment. Requires
review of relevant records by parents and school officials within
10 days of a childs change of placement for disciplinary reasons.
These items link to pages outside of the Kids Counsel
website.
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