FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

What impact did Mills v. Board of Education have on educational rights?

1. It restricted educational rights to mentally retarded children only

2. It extended rights to all children with disabilities

3. It established tuition limits for special education

4. It focused solely on integration in general education classrooms

The correct answer is: It extended rights to all children with disabilities

The choice that indicates Mills v. Board of Education extended rights to all children with disabilities is the correct answer. This landmark case set a significant precedent by affirming that all children, regardless of their disabilities, have the right to a publicly funded education. The ruling emphasized that it is unconstitutional to deny educational access to students with disabilities, establishing a legal basis for inclusive education. This case laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which aims to ensure free and appropriate public education for all students with disabilities. The focus of Mills v. Board of Education was broader than just issues related to specific categories of disabilities or financial constraints; it underscored the general principle of educational equity for all children with disabilities.