Landmark Cases

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA

• IDEA was passed in 1975.
• It helps children with disabilities from birth to 2 yrs. old (stated in Part C) and 3 to 21 yrs old (stated in Part B).
• This was passed to afford children with disabilities the right to a public education tailored to their individual developmental needs.

Under IDEA, schools must...

• Provide evaluations for students with signs of disabilities and provide a supportive learning environment.
• Create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Individualized Family Service Plans to map goals for the child.
• Listen to the guardians' thoughts regarding the progress and treatment for their child.

The Big "IDEA" For Teachers

• They must be aware of their responsibility to monitor and provide all children with necessary educational support in the classroom.
• They must know the rights that families have to help their child with disabilities.
• They must know how to provide plans and adjustments so that all students can succeed in the classroom.

Title IX and Sex Discrimination

Title IX

• Title IX was passed in 1972 and revised in 1998.
• It protects anyone in education programs or programs that receive Federal Financial Assistance from being discriminated against based on sex.

Purpose of Legislation

• It is stated that all education programs and activities may not discriminate against anyone based on their sex, (including pay, admission, grading, discipline, etc.)

What This Means for Teachers

• Teachers must treat all students equally, regardless of sex.
• Teachers must be aware of their rights and the rights of students to receive equal treatment through to policy information provided to schools.
• Teachers must speak up if they see unfair treatment of students or employees.

Jacob Javits Gifted & Talented Students Education Act (Javits)

Javits - Who is it for?

• Javits was passed in 1988 to support the development of gifted and talented students.
• It aims to help underrepresented gifted students, such as those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, those with limited English, and those with disabilities.

Purpose of Javits

• Javits is a program conducting research and strategies to provide support to gifted and talented students in elementary and secondary schools.
• It gives competitive grants to state agencies and schools to enhance gifted and talented programs.

What Teachers Need to Know

• Because Javits funds national research, it assures that the research results are used within education practice in the classroom.
• Javits helps educate teachers identify gifted and talented students and meeting their academic needs.
• Teachers should have plans for student modifications to assure student support.

Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged

Title I

• Title 1 was passed in 1965 for disadvantaged youth.
• This legislation helps low achieving children, children with limited English, immigrant children, those with disabilities, and those who have undergone neglect.

Purpose and School Requirements

• Title I aims to lessen the achievement gap between disadvantaged and advantaged students by giving them equal opportunity with state academics.
• Schools must use state assessment systems and promote programs that increase quality of instruction.

What Teachers Need to Know

• Teachers must properly use state standards and assessment systems.
• Professional Development opportunities exist to help identify children with these needs and ways to help them.
• It is important to have measurable achievement goals for students under Title I.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 1974

Section 504

• Since 1973-1974, the act protects individuals with disabilities who receive financial aid from the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Purpose and Requirement of Schools

• Schools are required to give a "Free Appropriate Education" (FAPE) to all students who qualify as having limits to major life activities.
• This act aims to ensure that such students are treated fairly at school and receive free aids and services.

What this Means for Teachers

• Teachers are required to make adjustments for their students protected under this act.
• Teachers must know how to monitor the progress of these students to provide them necessary help.
• Teachers must maintain communication with the school and parents for the child's success.

Lau Vs. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974)

Lau Vs. Nichols

• In 1974, this Supreme Court decision ruled that special assistance should be granted to children in school unable to proficiently understand or speak English.

Result of Legislation/Requirements

• Due to this case, all students must be given equal access to meaningful public educational programs regardless of their English language abilities.
• A master plan for bilingual and bicultural education is required for the English-language learner through ESL programs.

How this Affects Teachers

• There is an estimation of nearly 4.6 million English language learners in public school since 2014-2015. Teachers must be aware of ways to modify curriculum for these students.
• Teachers should aware of schools' resources that are available to help these students succeed.