Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Columbia

Mills vs. the Board of Education of the District of Columbia was a case in which handicapped children were denied the right to public education. In this particular case the plaintiffs, seven mentally disabled children, were excluded, suspended, expelled, reassigned, or transferred from the District of Columbia public school without due process. Meaning, they were forced out of their classes and not allowed to attend school without any say. The District of Columbia claimed there was not enough funding in the school system for these children.

The outcome of the case was, a person shall be “given access to an adequate, publicly supported education,” regardless of the disability of the child. The court also ruled that a claim of insufficient resources could not be used as an excuse to exclude a child from free public education.  

This case caused the system to realize that if you do not educate children that it is highly unlikely that they will be successful in life and that free public education is a right that EVERY child should have. Mills vs. the Board of Education led the way for the development of personalized educational programs for children with special needs. It was realized that children with special needs deserve the right to a free education, but they need specialized, intentional teaching and programs that can help them become successful students.

Sources:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/bks/lawbk/ch3.history.pdf
http://www.wrightslaw.com/law/caselaw/ussupct.rowley.htm

Introduction

Hello everyone!! My name is Tori Bryan. I am 23 years old, have been married for two years, and have a Cocker Spaniel named Tico. Over the past summer, my husband and I purchased our first home. What a rewarding but stressful experience that was. Hopefully in the near future, we will add a new member to our family.

Currently I am a lead teacher in a More at Four Classroom in Lenoir County, but I reside in Onslow County. I graduated from UNC-W with my degree in Elementary Education in which I became certified to teach K-6. Upon accepting my current job in August of 2009, I began school at ECU to obtain my Pre-K Add-on. This is my last class to finish my plan of study :). I have enjoyed teaching Pre-K, everyday brings a new experience unlike the one before. My ultimate goal in my career is to obtain my Master's in Counseling.