https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/special-education-law Special Education Law en-US 2021 (c) Education Week Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:27:03 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/new-federal-guidance-could-roll-back-special-ed-transition-services/2026/09 New DOJ guidance threatens high school transition programs meant to help disabled students live independently. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:27:03 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/new-federal-guidance-could-roll-back-special-ed-transition-services/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-differences-between-ieps-and-504-plans-a-special-education-explainer/2026/08 What educators need to know about the special education plans. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:48:10 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-differences-between-ieps-and-504-plans-a-special-education-explainer/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/50-years-of-idea-4-things-to-know-about-the-landmark-special-education-law/2025/12 The nation's primary special education law details schools' obligations to students with disabilities. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:30:24 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/50-years-of-idea-4-things-to-know-about-the-landmark-special-education-law/2025/12 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/how-one-lawyer-helped-reshape-special-education-at-the-supreme-court/2025/12 A documentary follows a lawyer behind major Supreme Court wins for students with disabilities. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:56:56 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/how-one-lawyer-helped-reshape-special-education-at-the-supreme-court/2025/12 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/parents-should-continue-to-file-disability-rights-complaints-say-special-ed-advocates/2025/11 Continuing to file them puts pressure on the Ed. Dept. to enforce special ed. laws. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:45:49 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/parents-should-continue-to-file-disability-rights-complaints-say-special-ed-advocates/2025/11 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/opinion-educational-exile-how-trumps-layoffs-threaten-students-with-disabilities/2025/10 Here’s what’s at stake for millions of students if we lose federal enforcement of IDEA. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:09:25 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/opinion-educational-exile-how-trumps-layoffs-threaten-students-with-disabilities/2025/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/trump-canceled-millions-for-special-education-teacher-training-whats-next/2025/09 More than $30 million for teacher training and parent resources will no longer flow as scheduled. Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:38:29 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/trump-canceled-millions-for-special-education-teacher-training-whats-next/2025/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/supreme-court-poised-to-back-student-in-key-disability-rights-case/2025/04 The U.S. Supreme Court considered what liability standard should apply for cases brought by students under two key federal disability laws. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:59:57 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/supreme-court-poised-to-back-student-in-key-disability-rights-case/2025/04 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/supreme-court-to-weigh-discrimination-standard-for-some-special-education-cases/2025/04 The U.S. Supreme Court will consider what legal standard must be met for proving discrimination against students with disabilities. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 22:30:48 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/supreme-court-to-weigh-discrimination-standard-for-some-special-education-cases/2025/04 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-schools-make-up-for-the-feds-unfulfilled-special-ed-funding-commitment/2025/02 Congress has never met a 50-year-old funding commitment it made for special education services. Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:34:05 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-schools-make-up-for-the-feds-unfulfilled-special-ed-funding-commitment/2025/02 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/special-ed-policies-can-change-fast-districts-can-help-families-navigate-them/2024/07 States have raised the maximum age of eligibility for special education services. But policies often change quickly. Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:30:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/special-ed-policies-can-change-fast-districts-can-help-families-navigate-them/2024/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/many-students-can-get-special-ed-until-age-22-what-districts-should-do/2024/06 School districts' responsibilities under federal special education law aren't always clear-cut. Thu, 27 Jun 2024 20:55:27 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/many-students-can-get-special-ed-until-age-22-what-districts-should-do/2024/06 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/whos-eligible-for-special-education-services-schools-struggle-to-keep-up/2024/06 Many states now require schools to offer special education services to students until they turn 22. Costs and logistics can be daunting. Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:50:28 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/whos-eligible-for-special-education-services-schools-struggle-to-keep-up/2024/06 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-guide-to-special-education-terms/2024/05 The number of students in special education has increased steadily in the last four decades. Here are some of the common terms used. Tue, 21 May 2024 15:13:32 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-guide-to-special-education-terms/2024/05 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/opinion-schools-must-do-better-to-meet-idea-requirements/2023/09 More states must follow through on this law. Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:00:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/opinion-schools-must-do-better-to-meet-idea-requirements/2023/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/do-more-to-ensure-schools-meet-obligations-to-students-with-disabilities-feds-tell-states/2023/07 States must have "robust" systems to ensure schools obey federal special education law, new guidance says. Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:14:17 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/do-more-to-ensure-schools-meet-obligations-to-students-with-disabilities-feds-tell-states/2023/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/what-is-an-iep-individualized-education-programs-explained/2023/07 What IEPs are, what their purpose is, and which students are eligible. Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:29:22 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/what-is-an-iep-individualized-education-programs-explained/2023/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-does-special-education-work-test-your-knowledge/2023/05 What is IDEA? How much can the federal government contribute to special education funding? Take our quiz. Thu, 04 May 2023 19:30:07 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-does-special-education-work-test-your-knowledge/2023/05 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-special-education-funding-actually-works/2023/04 Special education is among the most complicated and misunderstood facets of America’s sprawling K-12 school landscape. Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:47:32 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-special-education-funding-actually-works/2023/04 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/supreme-court-rules-deaf-student-can-sue-school-district-over-alleged-failures/2023/03 The justices rule that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act does not bar the student's suit for money damages. Tue, 21 Mar 2023 18:52:47 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/supreme-court-rules-deaf-student-can-sue-school-district-over-alleged-failures/2023/03 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/supreme-court-seems-in-favor-of-deaf-students-right-to-sue-school-district-under-the-ada/2023/01 Miguel Luna Perez was there as the justices weighed issues in his case over his district allegedly failing to provide trained interpreters. Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:03:24 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/supreme-court-seems-in-favor-of-deaf-students-right-to-sue-school-district-under-the-ada/2023/01 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-deaf-student-says-his-school-district-failed-him-the-supreme-court-will-decide/2023/01 Miguel Luna Perez received inadequate assistance for 12 years, his suit says. The high court will decide if he can pursue money damages. Tue, 17 Jan 2023 20:52:05 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-deaf-student-says-his-school-district-failed-him-the-supreme-court-will-decide/2023/01 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/states-are-desperate-for-special-ed-teachers-but-they-cant-cut-corners-to-get-them/2022/10 The Education Department warns states not to lower standards, even as districts frantically search for skilled special educators. Tue, 25 Oct 2022 21:32:41 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/states-are-desperate-for-special-ed-teachers-but-they-cant-cut-corners-to-get-them/2022/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/older-students-face-time-crunch-in-getting-crucial-special-education-services/2022/10 Many students with disabilities missed out on key transition services during the pandemic. Advocates are pushing schools to make up for lost time. Fri, 14 Oct 2022 18:59:20 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/older-students-face-time-crunch-in-getting-crucial-special-education-services/2022/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-supreme-court-will-decide-a-significant-special-education-case/2022/10 The justices will decide whether families must exhaust special education proceedings when they seek money damages under other federal laws. Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:49:50 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-supreme-court-will-decide-a-significant-special-education-case/2022/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/new-discipline-guidance-focuses-on-discrimination-against-students-with-disabilities/2022/07 The Biden administration aims to clarify how federal law protects students with disabilities. Tue, 19 Jul 2022 20:41:30 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/new-discipline-guidance-focuses-on-discrimination-against-students-with-disabilities/2022/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/7-ways-the-federal-government-shortchanges-k-12-schools/2022/07 Districts haven't gotten the help they need and expect on infrastructure, high-need students, special education, school meals, and more. Tue, 12 Jul 2022 04:02:05 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/7-ways-the-federal-government-shortchanges-k-12-schools/2022/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/federal-special-ed-funding-is-woefully-inequitable-new-studies-show/2022/06 Outdated funding formulas continue to widen gaps that shortchange students with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, researchers say. Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:25:17 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/federal-special-ed-funding-is-woefully-inequitable-new-studies-show/2022/06 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/feds-to-probe-whether-texas-ban-on-school-mask-mandates-violates-disability-rights-laws/2021/09 The Education Department has already opened investigations in six other states that ban universal school mask requirements. Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:58:19 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/feds-to-probe-whether-texas-ban-on-school-mask-mandates-violates-disability-rights-laws/2021/09