Timothy W. v. Rochester, New Hampshire, School District (1989)
Read the brief descriiption of each case and choose one that you would like to research further.
Write a paper with pictures and headings that tells the story through writing.
In your research, go in depth on the human aspect of each case.
1. Tell about what happened to cause the legal action. Tell the story.
2. Tell what is sought by the family, individual or advocacy group and why.
3. Tell what is sought by the government of school district and why.
4. Tell about the ruling and its impact on the parties involved in the court case.
5. Tell how the ruling affected or still affects schooling, society and you as a teacher
Sample Solution
In Timothy W. v. Rochester, Timothy, a child with multiple and severe disabilities, was denied a free and appropriate public education because Rochester, N.H. school district deemed that Timothy was not “capable of benefiting” from education and therefore, was not entitled to district-supported services. Timothy`s parents disagreed and sued the school district. The initial proceedings held in the federal district court held that only children who can benefit from special education are eligible for it and that Timothy was not eligible under the standards based on their interpretation of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) and New Hampshire Law.
