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

Which case laid the groundwork for the right to education for children with disabilities?

1. Mills v. Board of Education

2. Diana v. The State Board of Education

3. Brown v. Board of Education

4. Wyatt v. Stickney

The correct answer is: Mills v. Board of Education

The case that laid the groundwork for the right to education for children with disabilities is Mills v. Board of Education. This landmark decision, made in 1972, established that public schools have an obligation to provide appropriate education to children with disabilities and cannot deny them access to educational opportunities due to their disabilities. It reinforced the principle that education is a right for all children, regardless of their needs, and emphasized the necessity of proper resources and support to ensure that children with disabilities can receive an education equivalent to their peers. This case played a crucial role in the development of special education law and helped pave the way for later legislation, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).