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IDEA Determination Letters Show States in Need of Intervention
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has released determination letters on state implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Parts B and C. States participating in Part B, which serves individuals age 3-21, and Part C, which serves...
CA: School districts are struggling to keep up with surging special education needs
Governing.com Over the past decade, the number of students with disabilities in American schools has exploded. In San Diego County, the trend has been particularly acute. In 2015, La Mesa Spring Valley Schools, for example, served 1,424 students with disabilities. By...
NH: NH lawmakers question school voucher program tracking
Valley News New Hampshire lawmakers charged with overseeing the state’s $50 million school voucher program are raising concerns about how the program tracks academic progress for the nearly 10,600 students enrolled. The Children’s Scholarship Fund New Hampshire, the...
TX: AP Exclusive: The private school choice boom leaves behind many kids in public school
Texarkana Gazette The Catholic school tour ended, and Maria Contreras felt an overwhelming desire to enroll her 7-year-old. But first, a difficult question for the principal. The second-grader has trouble focusing. He doesn't listen to teachers and runs around the...
COPAA and Partners Condemn DOJ’s Interpretation of Olmstead
In reaction to a Department of Justice (DOJ) memo regarding the landmark 1999 Supreme Court ruling Olmstead v. L.C., and in conjunction with the anniversary of the Court’s ruling in Olmstead, COPAA and partners issued a statement condemning DOJ’s recent interpretation...
Special ed, civil rights are largely leaving Education Department
NPR Two of the U.S. Department of Education's biggest responsibilities will shift to other federal agencies: safeguarding student civil rights and administering programs for students with disabilities. The Trump administration said Tuesday it will move much of the...
Parents fear fallout from special education oversight changes
Chalkbeat Education Secretary Linda McMahon had a message for parents of students with disabilities on Tuesday as she announced seismic shifts to federal special education oversight: “I’ve heard you.” In listening sessions and at school visits, McMahon said thousands...
IA: Cedar Rapids sees progress on restraints, more work ahead
The Gazette At a school board work session last week, the Cedar Rapids school district reported that the number of students restrained in response to aggressive behavior has dropped considerably. Between 2018 and 2021, restraints were used 4,145 times. From 2023 to...
MD: School board to work with unions to expand use of cameras in special ed classrooms
The Frederick News-Post The Frederick County school board voted 6-0 on Wednesday to move forward with a memorandum of understanding with its three labor unions on a limited expansion of its camera pilot program in special education classrooms. The implementation of...
MI: Michigan seeks to improve graduation rates for students with disabilities
WILX Michigan education officials are expanding efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. The Michigan Department of Education said recent gains in graduation rates and other performance measures demonstrate progress, but officials say additional...