Which legislation marked a significant change in addressing the needs of exceptional students in public schools?

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act is recognized as a landmark piece of legislation that significantly transformed how public schools address the needs of exceptional students. Enacted in 1975, this act established the foundation for the rights of children with disabilities to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It mandated that public schools create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible students, ensuring that they received specialized instruction and services tailored to their unique needs. This legislation paved the way for greater inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream education and ensured access to necessary resources and support.

While the other options represent important laws that contribute to the rights and protections of individuals with disabilities, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act specifically focused on the educational needs of students in public schools, making it a pivotal milestone in special education policy. The later reauthorization of this act as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) further reinforced and expanded upon its principles, but the original act was crucial in initiating these changes.