Since 1958, UMass Global has been providing adult students with the unique support they need. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are around seven million students aged 3 to 21 receiving special education services in the United States. To meet the needs of these students, schools have evolved over the years to refine their approaches to special education. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed into law the Education for All Disabled Children Act (Public Act 94-14), now known as the Education for Persons with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
This law guarantees that students with special needs receive appropriate free public education in the least restrictive environment necessary to meet their needs. It also requires that students receive free and appropriate public education in general education classes, with the necessary complementary aids and services, if a school team determines that they are disabled under Section 504 or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).The Disabled Children Protection Act (HCPA) of 1986 was created to include provisions not covered by the EHA. For example, the EHA does not directly address the legal cost reduction available to parents who prevail in lawsuits based on violations of EHA provisions. Subsequent amendments, as reflected in the IDEA, have led to greater emphasis on access to the general education curriculum, the provision of services for young children from birth to five years old, transition planning, and responsibility for the performance of students with disabilities. This eligibility may exist without concurrent eligibility for special education under the Persons with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
One notable change has been the shift towards a more inclusive classroom structure that allows these students with special needs to learn in the general education environment together with their peers. This plan provides the legal basis for a comprehensive state model for the provision of special education. Familiarizing yourself with these laws can help you better understand how special education has progressed over time. It is essential that all teachers have a solid understanding of special education laws and policies so they can provide an appropriate learning environment for students with special needs. Knowing these laws can help teachers create an inclusive classroom setting where all students can learn and grow together. The IDEA is a federal law that provides funding and guidance to states and local school districts on how to provide special education services.
It also outlines specific rights and protections for students with disabilities and their families. The IDEA requires schools to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student with a disability. These IEPs must be tailored to meet each student's individual needs and must be reviewed annually. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004 is an amendment to IDEA that focuses on improving educational results for children with disabilities. It emphasizes high expectations for all students, including those with disabilities, and requires schools to use evidence-based instruction when teaching students with disabilities.
The IDEIA also requires schools to use data-driven decision making when evaluating student progress. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is another important law related to special education. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and other areas of public life. The ADA also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. These laws are just a few examples of how special education has evolved over time.
Knowing these laws can help teachers create an inclusive classroom setting where all students can learn and grow together. Understanding these laws is essential for all teachers so they can provide an appropriate learning environment for students with special needs.
