Jessica Rothman
SPS 6805
Final Exam Part 1
Fall 2014
1. Discuss 7 legislative acts that have influenced or impacted the profession of school psychology.
1. Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was one of the most significant federal legislations to affect education. The act was passed by congress as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty” in the year of 1965. President Johnson was an advocate for equal access to education. He believed it was crucial for a child’s ability to excel in life. The legislation created the law for large resources to meet the needs of educationally impoverished children. This was established though a special source of funding known as Title 1. Title
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federal legislation to acknowledge the needs of Limited English Speaking Ability (LESA) students. The bill was introduced in 1967 and later signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on January 2, 1968. The bill was passed as Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1968. Ultimately, the law established federal policy for bilingual education, recognizing the large number of limited English-speaking students in the United States and the special education needs they require. The act required the federal government to provide financial assistance funding the development of educational programs geared toward LESA students. BEA provided school districts competitive grants. Funding would be used for implementation of such education programs, as well as staffing, staff training, resources and materials. The purpose of the education programs was to teach students English. The act provided school districts with a chance to provide bilingual education programs without violating the laws regarding segregation. At the end of each year, the programs are evaluated, and programs deemed effective were eligible to receive federal funding for up to five years. After the NCLB bill passed the BEA was renamed the English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act. It is aimed to benefit Limited English Proficient (LEP) children. The act states that LEP students must become proficient in the English language. LEP children must also meet the same academic standards as their English proficient peers in all subject areas at the same time. Education agencies are still responsible for LEP children to make AYP in order to receive funding. Funds go toward language instruction programs, and professional development for staff. The number of LEP or immigrant students in that state determines the amount of federal funds received by a school. Ultimately, the act is to ensure language proficiency