LAWS & HISTORY

OF SPECIAL
EDUCATION
BY JORDYNN ANDERSONᐧ
 TIMELINE

+ 1973-SECTION 504 
+ 1975-IDEA
+ 1990-ADA
+ 2015-ESSA
 Section 504 is a civil rights law that
1973 states a person cannot due to a
disability.
No formal written plan is required.
SECTION 504 Students can qualify even if the
(K-12/COLLEGE) disability doesn't affect academic
performance (sitting, breathing,
walking, thinking, talking, etc.)
School needs to accommodate.
Placement is in regular classroom
with support services to eliminate
barriers
to the educational experience.
(Elementary, secondary, & college
students).
 Provides a free, appropriate,
1975
public education in the least
restrictive environment. 
IDEA (K-12) Specific disability categories covered
include FAPE (Free Appropriate
Public Education), LRE (Least
INDIVIDUALS Restrictive Environment), IEP
WITH (Individualized Educational Plan),
and People First Language.
DISABILITIES
 Not all students with
ACT disabilities are eligible.
Protects rights of parents, provides
information to parents, and provides
resolutions for parents/teachers.
Evaluations are the responsibility of
the school & are performed at no
expense to student/parent. 
 Civil rights law intended to make
1990 U.S. society more accessible to
people with disabilities.
Accessibility include employment,
ADA public services (transportation),
(COLLEGE/EMP) public accommodations (buildings),
telecommunications, and
miscellaneous services.
AMERICANS  Protects all persons w/ disability
WITH from discrimination in educational
setting based on disability. 
DISABILITIES
Students must self-identify as having
ACT a disability & must provide
documentation of disability. 
Eliminates barriers that prevent a
student from participation in
programs/services offered
to general school population. 
 Formerly known as No Child Left
2015 Behind act.
Provides support to high schools

ESSA where percentage of students do

not graduate. 
Provides support to schools with
EVERY groups of traditionally undeserved

STUDENT students who consistently

demonstrate low performance.
SUCCEEDS ACT  states and districts are
responsible for quality and
effective teachers, principals, and
other school leaders to increasing
student academic achievement.
New policies will support teachers
using assessments to deeper
learning among students.
 ROLES OF A
PARAPROFESSIONAL
Implementing teacher-planned instruction.
Communication and social supports.
Supervising students.
Clerical/General duties.
Behavioral/Social supports.
Supporting individual student needs.
Personal care.