EDUCATIONAL HISTORY by EMILY DYER

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION

1954
Schools in the beginning of the 1900's were considered "separate but equal". However, this was not the case for
low income schools where African American students were forced to attend. They had limited access to
resources and tax dollars. This was voted unanimously by the Supreme Court to be unequal, and thus made
segregated schools against the law, It gave all students the ability to enjoy resources they have the rights to.
Although some will say that there are still problems with segregation in schools today.
I. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT
1965
This act was the most dramatic federal funding for schools in the U.S. ESEA ensured funding to low income
communities and schools. $1 billion went immediately to bettering education to students living below the
poverty line. Reauthorization occurs every five years, and is the largest source of federal support to our schools.
A. TITLE IX
1972
Federal law prohibits discrimination because of the gender in any federal education program. Congress did not
want federal dollars to support groups that practice discrimination against anyone because of their sex. This
ensures students receive a fair and unbiased education.
1. PUBLIC LAW 93-112
1973
Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Among other things, section 504 prohibits discrimination against
individuals with disabilities.
a. PUBLIC LAW 94-142
1975
Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed by Congress in 1975. This act ensured a free,
appropriate education for all students with disabilities. Until this point, there was no organizations or programs
to meet all the needs of disabled students. It was revised in 1990, 1997, and 2004, and is now known as
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
(1) A NATION AT RISK
1983
An open letter to the public, the National Commission of Excellence in Education called for higher standards in
our schools. Higher standards in order for students to graduate, higher college entrance requirements, and more
required math and science courses were among some of the new requirements. "Computer skills" was also
suggested as a basic course for students.
There was concern that if the U.S. did not improve its education system, we would lose our edge.
(a) PUBLIC LAW 99-457
1986
Education of Handicapped Act amendments that mandated education for disabled preschoolers, as well as
incentives for intervention services for babies and toddlers.
i) PUBLIC LAW 101-476
1990
This was part of a reauthorization of IDEA in 1990 and puts and emphasis on the transition process and
planning for young adults with disabilities.
(1) PUBLIC LAW 101-336
1990
American's with Disabilities Act prohibits the discrimination of anyone with disabilities in the workplace.
(a) NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT
2002
Public Law 107-110 was the most drastic legislative act since ESEA. This education reform effort focused on
raising testing standards and teacher qualifications. It also increased funding to low income areas and requires
yearly testing of grades 3-8 in mathematics and reading.