In 1954 three bills were passed in the state of New Jersey regarding Special Education. These laws described three categories in which students, between the ages of 5 and 20, could be classified. The categories were educable mentally retarded, trainable mentally retarded, and not educable or trainable. The laws required that suitable facilities and programs be made available for students with disabilities whether through the local district or by sending students to another school. The classification system, however, left out some students who were deemed “not educable or trainable.”
Reference:
Background paper : special education : state and federal requirements and aid. (2006). New Jersey State Legislature, Office of Legislative Services.