Essay On The Importance Of Litigation In Special Education

Attitude, Legislation, and Litigation Imagine, somehow being transported back to the early 1900’s and given a glimpse into the education process, and day to day learning, of a disabled student. Students considered to have developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, or behavioral issues, were often denied access to a quality education, and there was very little infrastructure in place to educate these students. In fact, in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s people with disabilities were often directly associated with crime and poverty (Kode, & Council for Exceptional Children, 2002). Fortunately, there was a great awakening in the 1900’s, which began to change the way students with disabilities were educated. Observe how there was a change in thinking with regard to students with disabilities, the influence litigation had, challenges educators face when it comes to higher standards and accountability for the education of all students, predictions based on …show more content…
Special needs students may no longer be isolated from general education classrooms, or hidden away as something to be feared, it is still of the utmost importance that educators make strides in teaching acceptance and understanding. It is increasingly important to understand the history of special education, so that we are not doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past, and also learn from them as we move forward. The change in thinking regarding special education has brought about litigation and legislation that will influences future decisions, create and hopefully solve some of the challenges educators face today, and change the perception of those who have little experience or knowledge of what the special needs