Severe Disabilities
Read more about students whose struggles in one or more areas of functioning substantially limit their performance of daily activities
Special Education
Florida Changed Rules for Special Education Students. Why Many Say It’s Wrong
The new rule contains a more specific definition of what it means to have a “most significant cognitive disability.”
Assessment
Vermont Questions Price Hike for Common-Core Aligned Alternate Test
The board overseeing Dynamic Learning Maps created a price structure that dramatically raises the cost of the common core-aligned test, which is intended for students with severe cognitive disabilities.
Every Student Succeeds Act
ESSA Panel Weighs Rules for Testing for Those With Severe Cognitive Disabilities
Changes in the Every Student Succeeds Act will mean new regulations governing the testing of about 1 percent of students with severe cognitive disabilities.
Special Education
Alternative Education Track Would See New Scrutiny Under Federal Bill
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat, wants to ensure parents are given more information before allowing their children to be placed in an educational track with less rigor than the general education curriculum.
Law & Courts
Landmark Special Ed. Case Confirming 'Zero Reject' Rule Marks 25 Years
In Timothy W. v Rochester, the court confirmed that children with the most severe handicaps are entitled to services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
School & District Management
Nationwide Survey Offers Data on Sexual Abuse of Students With Disabilities
Survey respondents reported that many students with disabilities were subjected to sexual abuse many times, often by adults in the school setting.
Special Education
PBS Documentary Explores Life After School for Students With Autism
'Best Kept Secret' explores the postsecondary options available for six youth with severe autism in Newark, N.J.
Special Education
Series on Group Home Abuses Earns Journalism Honor
California Watch's reporting on problems with the state-run police force tasked to protect the vulnerable residents of California group homes was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for public service.
Special Education
Education Department: Testing Policy Does Not Violate Student's Rights
Mary Washer, an Oklahoma high school student with severe disabilities, was not able to use a particular accommodation to pass required state tests.
Special Education
Moving On From 'On Special Education'
Starting now, my focus is shifting to writing exclusively about student health, discipline, and safety and school climate.
Special Education
Fla. Records Reveal Little Education, Much Neglect of Children in Nursing Homes
A newspaper report delving into Florida's practice of housing some children with severe disabilities in nursing homes corroborates U.S. Department of Justice concerns about the children's care.
Special Education
Outcomes for Students With Severe Disabilities Can, Must Improve
The Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination today shared a set of recommendations to better prepare students with significant disabilities for the workforce and continue their education after high school.
Special Education
Fla. Children With Severe Disabilities Relegated to Nursing Homes
Among other things, the state turned down about $40 million that would have helped care for these children at home because the money was associated with the Affordable Care Act.
Special Education
Military Families Overseas Struggle to Get Services for Children With Disabilities
The Government Accountability Office found shortcomings in the way Department of Defense schools provide special education services.