How Court Cases Have Effected Students with Disabilities

Beginning with Brown vs. the Board of Education concerning desegragation of schools, things have changed drastically in our schools in regards to serving students with disabilities.  Various court cases have led to difficult decisions about whether disabled students should have a place in a regular classroom or not.  In some cases, it was found to be an effective strategy for these students.  In other cases, not so much.  Some disabled students are more of a distraction and take away from the learning of the other students.  The teacher spends most of his/her time attending to the disabled student rather than teaching the other 15 or so students.  This, quite frankly, is an injustice.  You must look at the bigger picture.  Sure, you want to reach all students, but you can't just drop your other 15 (or more) students to serve the one disabled.  I understand wanting these students mainstreamed if possible.  It is good for nondisabled students to be around disabled students.  After all, that is what the real world is like.  However, some children are not suited for a regular classroom.  These court cases have helped ensure that all students regardless of color, race, ethnicity, or ability receive a fair and equitable education.  As a result, students with disabilities now must have IEPs with goals specifically designed for these students.  This way their needs are being met on their level.  However, it practically takes an act of congress to get these students served in the appropriate setting and to determine if they do have a disability.  I know from experience that I have spent an entire school year trying to get a student services for a disability.  Although, they are guaranteed an equal education, the process of getting everything in place to meets the needs of these students takes too long.