Special Education Policy
Get insights into the federal, state, and local rules and polices regarding special education
Special Education
Special Education Bias Rule Put on Hold for Two Years by DeVos Team
As expected, the Education Department has delayed a rule that would require states to take a standardized approach in evaluating districts for minority bias in special education.
Special Education
Deadline Nears for Comments on Delaying Special Education Bias Rule
More than 200 commenters have already submitted comments on an Education Department proposal to put off a change in how states evaluate districts for "significant disproportionality" in identifying and enrolling special education students.
Special Education
Education Department Officially Proposes Delay of Special Education Bias Rule
As expected, the Education Department wants to delay by two years a rule requiring states to take a stricter approach for monitoring their districts for minority overrepresention in special education.
Special Education
2017: The Year Everyone Started Caring About Federal Special Education Policy
This year brought widespread interest in federal special education policy, driven by intense interest in the moves of Betsy DeVos as education secretary.
Special Education
Senate Confirms New Chief for Federal Special Education Office
Johnny Collett, a Kentucky native, will become the 10th person confirmed to lead the office of special education and rehabilitative services.
Special Education
Education Department Seeks Rollback of Special Education Racial-Disparity Rule
States were poised to take a closer look at districts that might have minority overrepresentation, but the Education Department wants to put the rule on hold for two years.
Special Education
Nominee for Special Education Chief Sticks to Script at Confirmation Hearing
Johnny W. Collett, nominated to lead the office for civil rights and rehabilitative services, was asked about several hot-button issues during his confirmation hearing, but kept his answers general.
Student Well-Being & Movement
HHS Audit Says New Jersey Must Pay Back Hundreds of Millions in Medicaid Funds
New Jersey used an incorrect method to calculate Medicaid reimbursements for services provided to students with disabilities, according to a federal audit, but the state disputes that claim.
Special Education
Senate Sets Hearing Date for Nominee to Federal Special Education Post
Johnny Collett, the Trump administration's pick for assistant secretary for the office of special education and rehabilitative services, has been getting a warm reception so far from disability advocates.
Special Education
Ed. Dept. Scrutinizing Rule on Minority Representation in Special Education
The Education Department plans to seek public comment on putting off a rule that would require more school districts to use federal dollars to address minority bias in special education, Politico reports.
Special Education
Ed. Dept. Explains Special Education Guidance Cutbacks After Outcry
The uproar prompted by the Education Department's clearing out of old regulations demonstrates the mistrust disability advocates have for the Education Department.
Special Education
Ed. Dept. Sweeps Away Old Special Education Guidance and Regulations
Following the Trump administration's mandate to clear out regulatory chaff, the office of special education and rehabilitative services plans to get rid of decades-old guidance documents.
Special Education
Providing Special Education in a Time of Disaster
The U.S. Department of Education says that it wants to provide flexibility and support for schools and districts struggling to recover. That could include financial relief for states that request it.
Equity & Diversity
DeVos To Special Educators: Families 'Shouldn't Have to Sue' For School Options
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said a recent U.S. Supreme Court case offers an example of why parents of students with disabilities need school choice options.