Several US special education laws and regulations govern special education in the United States. How these special education laws came into effect is quite interesting. If you look at our country’s history and how people’s views changed over the years, some landed on the right side of history, and others did not.
Over time, I will be writing about the history behind these special education laws, but for now, here is a list of Special Education Laws or at least the significant ones:
US Special Education Laws
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): This US special education law ensures all children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) that meets their unique needs.
This law is important for several reasons:
- Ensures equal access to education: IDEA guarantees that children with disabilities have the same right to an education as children without disabilities. This means that children with disabilities cannot be denied admission to public schools or be excluded from educational programs.
- Provides specialized services and support: IDEA requires that children with disabilities receive individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline the specialized services and support they need to succeed in school. This includes accommodations such as specialized instruction, assistive technology, and therapies.
- Promotes inclusion: IDEA requires that children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment possible. This means that children with disabilities should be educated alongside their peers without disabilities to the greatest extent possible.
- Protects parental rights: IDEA requires that parents be involved in the decision-making process for their child’s education. This includes the development of the child’s IEP and any changes to the plan.
Overall, IDEA is vital because it provides legal protections and support for children with disabilities and ensures they can access the same educational opportunities as their peers without disabilities.
2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding. It requires that schools provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities so that they can participate in all school activities.
3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life, including education.
4. No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB): This US special education law requires that schools ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, are held to high academic standards and are tested annually in reading and math.
5. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): This US special education law replaced NCLB, allowing states to measure student progress and hold schools accountable for their performance.
6. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): This law protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents the right to access and review their child’s records.
These are just a few US special education laws that govern special education programs in the United States. Each one plays a crucial role in the development and ability to move forward in educating students who qualify for these services.
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