Overview:
Knowing the history of special education involves reviewing multiple laws and landmark cases. This
will help you have a better understanding of the progress and process that led us to The Individuals
with Disabilities Improvement Education Act (IDEIA). Formally known as The Education for All
Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) in 1975, now named IDEIA, this act supported children with
special needs that were denied adequate schooling and equal educational opportunities. In this
assignment, you will explore basic federal laws that continue to impact educational programs of
children with special needs.
Instructions:
First, choose a public law or a landmark case from the list below that has impacted special education
and/or exceptional students:
Brown v. Board of Education (Topeka, Kansas)
Sheff v. ONeil (CT)
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania
Larry P v. Riles
Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
Daniel R. R. v. State Board of Education
Honig v. Doe
Board of Education in Sacramento, CA v. Holland
PL 94-142/ IDEA/IDEIA
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Special Education Act
Then, write a reflection that includes the following:
1. The information of the case/law, including the name, PL#, title of law/landmark case, and
year it became a law.
CHS 208 Teaching Exceptional Learners
Unit 1 Assignment Forum: Public Law Reflection2. A brief summary of the law/court case describing the plaintiffs and defendants, reason for
the lawsuit, and the outcome of the case.
3. Analyze the public law/landmark case, including specific and convincing examples
connecting the impact of the law on special education today. Include at least two (2)
specific and convincing examples.
4. Your personal reflection on the law and its importance on the inclusion of all children.
Include details from the text, resources, and personal and/or professional experiences.
