Special education in the United States has come a long way since its inception. The evolution of special education can be attributed to the passage of key legislation, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Before the IDEA was enacted in 1975, many students with disabilities were excluded from public schools and did not receive the necessary support and services.

The IDEA paved the way for the provision of special education services to students with disabilities. It mandated that all students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), and that their educational needs be met through an individualized education program (IEP). The IDEA also established the right for students with disabilities to be educated in the least restrictive environment, meaning that they should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

Over the years, the IDEA has been amended and reauthorized to further strengthen the rights and protections of students with disabilities. These amendments have expanded the scope of special education services, improved transition services for students as they exit the school system, and enhanced parental involvement in the IEP process. The evolution of special education in the United States has been driven by the belief that every student, regardless of their disability, deserves a quality education and the opportunity to succeed.