INFLUENCE OF US SPECIAL EDUCATION LEGISLATION IN 1975–1989 ON SPECIAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
The article deals with studying of social transformations in 1975-1989 and new democratic traditionscaused with the US legislation on education of individuals with disabilities.The role of the period for the current special education system creation in the United States is highlighted.US federal legislation in 1975–1989 introduced the legal basis of the special education system, which finallydetermined the vector of its development and caused a revolution in the whole education system. Active civilmovement for equal rights enabled the adoption of The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975,known after the renewal as The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990. The main innovationsof the adopted law in the field of US special education were ensuring free access to appropriate public educationfor American children with disabilities aged 3 to 21, a right to be served in the least restrictive environment,at public expense, and under public supervision; introduction of individualized educational programs, launching early intervention programs for children at risk, funding of additional educational services for students withspecial educational needs, etc. The law adoption guaranteed millions of students who were raised in residentialinstitutions or did not receive appropriate educational services in regular schools a possibility to study for freein accordance with state standards with their peers.According to the amendments to this law in 1983 and 1986, the leading principle of special educationhas been the partnership of parents or caregivers and professionals. To intensify active parental interaction,the law provided their mandatory participation in each stage of individualized educational programs for theirchildren, the opportunity to discuss the conditions of the child’s education and the right to sue the school incase of a controversial educational decision.
References
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