Special Education Law
IDEA. The Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more about what laws govern special education and how they affect schools and students
Federal
Education Department Opens Civil Rights Probes in 5 States That Ban School Mask Mandates
The move on behalf of students with disabilities deepens the fight over masks between the Biden administration and GOP governors.
Special Education
Flint's Special Education Students Win Support, Compensation in Landmark Settlement
A small portion of a $600 million settlement will be used to improve services and supports for children impacted by the city's water crisis.
School & District Management
Schools Seek Cover From Special Education Lawsuits, But Advocates See Another Motive
Special education advocates argue the push for liability protection is a veiled attempt to seek waivers from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the nation's primary special education law.
Special Education
Opinion
The ADA Has Fallen Short for Black Students. It's Past Time to Fix That
As the Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30, let’s now get busy expanding its promise of equal education to all students, writes Laura Schifter.
Equity & Diversity
Many of America's Schools Aren't Fully Accessible for Students With Disabilities
In a new report, districts cite funding constraints as the main reason for not making their buildings accessible, a longstanding problem.
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.