In what order are the following federal special education laws typically arranged?

The correct order of federal special education laws typically reflects the historical and legal development in the field of special education within the United States.

Starting with PL 94-142, known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which was enacted in 1975, this legislation laid the foundation for special education by ensuring that all children with disabilities were given a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Next, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) evolved from PL 94-142 and expanded protections and services for students with disabilities, further solidifying the rights embedded in the earlier act.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is also significant as it prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding, ensuring equal access and opportunities.

Following that, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was enacted in 2001, emphasizing accountability in education and mandating standardized testing to measure student progress.

More recently, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) substituted NCLB in 2015, continuing the focus on accountability while providing states with more flexibility in education policy.

PL 457, though not as commonly referenced, is a law that institutionalizes various