Important Laws that affect Education

At Cascade Elementary, I've seen evidence of some of the most historical laws in the nation. The first of these laws in Brown v. Board of Education. In this law from 1954, schools were required to integrate with white and colored students. At Cascade, there is very little variety in the skin color as most of the students have parents with European decent. However, there are a few students with darker skin and even some who could be described as African-American. It has been 62 years since Brown v. Board of Education and at Cascade, the students have no idea that many years ago they wouldn't have been friends, let alone classmates.

Another law that I see evidence of at Cascade is the Individuals withe Disabilities Education Act. This law, more commonly known as I.D.E.A., provides accommodations and acceptance for students with disabilities. It states that children should be taught in the least restrictive environment and should receive appropriate accommodations. While working in the Resource Room, I see students with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) receiving special instruction to help them either catch up or stay up with their peers. While working in the classroom, I see where the teacher makes accommodations for students with special needs. One student struggles to stay on task and to stay in his seat. His teacher has placed his desk on an outside edge of the room, so that he will not disturb his classmates when he gets out of his seat. She also works with him one-on-one to get his homework and other assignments completed.

As implied above, there are not many students who are non-native English speakers at Cascade. But, according to Lau v. Nichols, all students who are non-native English speakers will be helped to learn English. This is accomplished through ELL activities within the classroom and students can also be sent to Resource Room for special instruction. Students should be helped to learn English at school so that they will be able to participate fully in a regular education classroom.