https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/special-education-policy Special Education Policy en-US 2021 (c) Education Week Wed, 30 Sep 2026 23:43:03 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/this-state-has-a-plan-to-improve-early-childhood-special-education-heres-how/2026/09 Experts discuss the difficulties that families and educators face in supporting young students with disabilities. Wed, 30 Sep 2026 23:43:03 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/this-state-has-a-plan-to-improve-early-childhood-special-education-heres-how/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/education-department-moves-special-ed-and-civil-rights-to-other-agencies/2026/06 Special education programs help schools serve more than seven million K-12 students with disabilities nationwide. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:49:39 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/education-department-moves-special-ed-and-civil-rights-to-other-agencies/2026/06 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-small-change-in-special-ed-rules-could-affect-equity-accountability-advocates-warn/2025/11 The paperwork change could make it harder to track equity in special education, advocates said. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:49:16 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-small-change-in-special-ed-rules-could-affect-equity-accountability-advocates-warn/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/opinion-rfk-jr-is-the-last-person-who-should-be-in-charge-of-special-education/2025/04 Here’s why President Trump’s recent announcement sent a chill down the spines of autistic individuals like me. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:33:10 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/opinion-rfk-jr-is-the-last-person-who-should-be-in-charge-of-special-education/2025/04 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-special-education-might-change-under-trump-5-takeaways/2024/11 Less funding and more administrative chaos could be on the horizon—but basic building blocks like IDEA appear likely to remain. Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:09:35 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-special-education-might-change-under-trump-5-takeaways/2024/11 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-trumps-policies-could-affect-special-education/2024/11 The new administration's stance on special education isn't yet clear—but efforts to revamp federal policy could have ripple effects. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 23:03:44 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-trumps-policies-could-affect-special-education/2024/11 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/english-learners-with-disabilities-the-rules-schools-have-to-follow/2024/11 Schools can't force English learners with disabilities to choose between special ed. and language instruction—and other tips from OCR. Thu, 14 Nov 2024 21:00:43 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/english-learners-with-disabilities-the-rules-schools-have-to-follow/2024/11 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/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/teaching-learning/florida-changed-rules-for-special-education-students-why-many-say-its-wrong/2021/11 The new rule contains a more specific definition of what it means to have a “most significant cognitive disability.” Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:54:10 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/florida-changed-rules-for-special-education-students-why-many-say-its-wrong/2021/11 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/school-districts-struggle-with-special-education-costs/2020/01 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. Wed, 22 Jan 2020 17:05:25 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/school-districts-struggle-with-special-education-costs/2020/01 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/dealing-with-dyslexia-its-almost-like-its-a-naughty-word-video/2019/05 When Scott Gann learned his son Dustin had dyslexia, he was shocked at the school's reaction. No one there wanted to use the word. Fri, 24 May 2019 19:23:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/dealing-with-dyslexia-its-almost-like-its-a-naughty-word-video/2019/05 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/ed-dept-reverts-to-original-timeline-for-rules-on-racial-bias-in-special-education/2019/05 The action is expected to prompt a scramble among states relying on an earlier delay in the policy involving disproportional representation of minorities in special education. Tue, 21 May 2019 20:19:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/ed-dept-reverts-to-original-timeline-for-rules-on-racial-bias-in-special-education/2019/05 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/education-department-to-appeal-decision-on-special-education-bias-rule/2019/05 The action is the latest in a long-running legal dispute that has the potential to affect millions of dollars in federal special education funding. Wed, 08 May 2019 23:33:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/education-department-to-appeal-decision-on-special-education-bias-rule/2019/05 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/who-gets-special-education-services-it-depends-on-where-you-live-gao-report-finds/2019/04 States identify students with disabilities at varying rates because because of different state and district policies, says a report from the Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog agency. Thu, 25 Apr 2019 21:45:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/who-gets-special-education-services-it-depends-on-where-you-live-gao-report-finds/2019/04 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/spec-ed-ruling-moving-toward-implementation-a-month-after-judges-decision/2019/04 Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was asked why it has taken so long to get guidance to states about a ruling that could affect how many districts use their federal special education money. Wed, 10 Apr 2019 20:29:43 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/spec-ed-ruling-moving-toward-implementation-a-month-after-judges-decision/2019/04 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/what-special-education-cuts-are-really-proposed-in-the-trump-budget/2019/03 Social media has been full of anger over a special education "cut" that isn't really a part of the Trump administration's proposed budget. Wed, 27 Mar 2019 21:46:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/what-special-education-cuts-are-really-proposed-in-the-trump-budget/2019/03 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/trump-plan-to-scrap-special-olympics-funding-draws-fierce-reaction/2019/03 Education Secretary Betsy DeVos drew fire on social media after a congressional budget hearing at which she discussed proposed cuts, including to the program that fosters sports competition among children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Tue, 26 Mar 2019 21:25:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/trump-plan-to-scrap-special-olympics-funding-draws-fierce-reaction/2019/03 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/will-special-education-come-up-during-devos-budget-testimony/2019/03 Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will likely spend much of her time discussing proposed departmental cuts, but special education funding is not facing any decreases in the proposed fiscal 2020 budget. Mon, 25 Mar 2019 22:42:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/will-special-education-come-up-during-devos-budget-testimony/2019/03 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/education-department-cant-delay-special-education-bias-rule-judge-says/2019/03 The rule requires states to use a standard method in determining if districts are biased in how they identify minority students, discipline them, or place them in restrictive settings. Thu, 07 Mar 2019 22:27:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/education-department-cant-delay-special-education-bias-rule-judge-says/2019/03 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/national-school-boards-association-pushes-for-federal-special-education-law-overhaul/2019/03 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was last revamped in 2004, and the NSBA would like to see Congress take on reauthorization as well as increase funding to states. Tue, 05 Mar 2019 19:11:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/national-school-boards-association-pushes-for-federal-special-education-law-overhaul/2019/03 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/race-not-disability-status-linked-to-increased-suspension-rates/2018/12 The research team that has examined minority identification for special education has turned its attention to a new subject: suspension rates. Tue, 11 Dec 2018 21:19:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/race-not-disability-status-linked-to-increased-suspension-rates/2018/12 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/texas-directed-to-take-additional-actions-to-remedy-special-education-violations/2018/10 Thousands of Texas children are believed to have been kept from special education services because of a now-prohibited special education enrollment target of 8.5 percent, which is well below the national average. Sat, 20 Oct 2018 14:50:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/texas-directed-to-take-additional-actions-to-remedy-special-education-violations/2018/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/ed-dept-signals-new-attempt-to-address-racial-bias-in-special-education/2018/10 The Education Department has concerns with an Obama-era approach to addressing potential overrepresentation of minorities in special education, so it plans to tackle the issue itself. Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:38:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/ed-dept-signals-new-attempt-to-address-racial-bias-in-special-education/2018/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/michigan-administrator-tapped-to-oversee-federal-special-education-programs/2018/10 Laurie VanderPloeg, a longtime special education administrator, will take over the office of special education programs starting in November. Thu, 11 Oct 2018 20:18:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/michigan-administrator-tapped-to-oversee-federal-special-education-programs/2018/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/state-essa-plans-a-missed-opportunity-for-special-education-says-advocacy-group/2018/10 Most states' plans Every Student Succeeds Act plans could do more to push rigorous goals and adequate supports for students with disabilities, according to an analysis from the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:44:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/state-essa-plans-a-missed-opportunity-for-special-education-says-advocacy-group/2018/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/special-education-needs-rethinking-says-top-education-department-official/2018/09 A new statement from the head of the federal office of special education outlines a department role based on offering "flexibility and support" to states. Thu, 20 Sep 2018 21:29:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/special-education-needs-rethinking-says-top-education-department-official/2018/09