Special Education Law
IDEA. The Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more about what laws govern special education and how they affect schools and students
Special Education
A Few Parents Have Sued Over Special Education During COVID-19. Will More Follow?
Districts could face a rising tide of special education-related lawsuits and complaints when schools resume, experts say, if they still cannot offer the services that students with disabilities missed out on for months.
Federal
Betsy DeVos Sees 'No Reason' to Waive Core Elements of Special Education Law
Congress should not grant flexibility from the federal special education law's key components due to the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has told federal lawmakers.
School & District Management
Special Ed. Administrators Press Congress for IDEA Waivers During Pandemic
The requests put the nation's special education administrators in conflict with disability rights advocates who fear waivers will place millions of special education students at risk.
Special Education
Just in Time: a Resource Hub on Remote Learning for Special Education Students
Nearly 30 disability rights and education advocacy organizations have launched a new resource hub and online network designed to help special educators during the coronavirus crisis.
Special Education
How to Handle IEPs During the Coronavirus Crisis? Some Expert Advice
Very carefully, experts say, while understanding that federal laws governing special education were not written with online education in mind.
Special Education
Letter to the Editor
Boost IDEA Funding
To the Editor:
As an occupational therapy student, I have concerns about the funding schools are currently receiving. ("Why the Feds Still Fall Short on Special Education Funding," Jan. 10, 2020). I believe federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should be granted in full.
As an occupational therapy student, I have concerns about the funding schools are currently receiving. ("Why the Feds Still Fall Short on Special Education Funding," Jan. 10, 2020). I believe federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should be granted in full.
Equity & Diversity
High Court Lifts Block on Trump Rule Barring Green Cards to Some Taking Public Benefits
Some educators and advocates fear the rule will dissuade immigrants from seeking certain government benefits, and that further burdens will fall on schools.
Special Education
School Districts Struggle With Special Education Costs
For decades, special education advocates have urged the federal government to "fully fund" the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Here are some examples 'ripped from the headlines' of how the funding gap is affecting school districts.
Special Education
Why the Feds Still Fall Short on Special Education Funding
Calls to fully fund the nation's main special education law resound on the campaign trail, but a complex array of factors make that an elusive goal.
Special Education
Our Most-Read Special Education Stories of 2019
The most popular special education stories of the year examined the broken promises of special education, the aftermath of the lead crisis in Flint, Mich., and how educators lack confidence in their ability to meet the needs of children with disabilities.
Special Education
Help for Principals Who Want to Support Special Education Teachers and Students
A new guide offers advice on how school leaders can best serve students with disabilities and support special education teachers.
Special Education
Preparing Students for Life After Special Education? Here's How Federal Dollars Can Help
When can schools use federal funds to help students with disabilities prepare for life after special education? A new resource from the federal education department offers a road map.
Student Well-Being
Do Distressed Students Have a Right to Trauma-Sensitive Schooling?
Three lawsuits argue schools have a responsibility to consider and mitigate the effects of students' personal traumas on their learning.
English Learners
Ways to Better Serve Often-Misunderstood English-Learners With Disabilities
Identifying and supporting students who are eligible for English-language acquisition and special education support can leave teachers feeling underprepared and overwhelmed. A new policy paper offers support.
