Special Education Law
IDEA. The Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more about what laws govern special education and how they affect schools and students
Families & the Community
How Parents and Educators Can Team Up on Special Education
Strong partnerships are crucial between schools and parents of students with disabilities. Both can take steps to keep the relationship civil and productive.
Special Education
Parents Wield Online Tools to Advocate for Children With Disabilities
Once isolated, parents are using social media and the internet to find information and communities to assure their children get the services they need.
Education
U.S. Supreme Court Declines Appeal of Teacher Fired by Jewish Day School
The justices turn away the appeal of a Hebrew-language teacher who claims she was fired in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Special Education
Feds Plan Fresh Oversight of Texas Special Education Plan
The state has developed an extensive plan for fixing a violation of federal special education law, but federal officials want to see additional corrective actions and plan a visit to follow up.
Special Education
The Important Role Principals Play in Special Education
Few principals have deep experience with special education, but managing it effectively is possible. Some experts offer their ideas for school leaders.
Every Student Succeeds Act
State ESSA Plans Fall Short on Spec. Ed., Advocates Say
The National Center for Learning Disabilities cites shortcomings in how states plan to hold schools and districts accountable and support them in meeting the needs of students with disabilities.
Special Education
Opinion
The Federal Government Is Letting Down Students With Disabilities. States Must Step Up
Disproportionate discipline in special education is a serious problem, but there are remedies, write Lauren Morando Rhim and Stephanie Lancet.
Special Education
Parkland Shooting Report Sharpens Focus on Special Education and Due Process
In a contentious meeting in his junior year, then 18-year-old Nikolas Cruz revoked his consent for special education services after he was told that was the only way he could stay at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. But there were other options, said a report released by a firm hired by the Broward School district.
School Choice & Charters
How Private Schools and Districts Partner Up on Special Education
Districts still have legal responsibility for private school students with disabilities within their boundaries, but it can be a tricky relationship to navigate.
Special Education
Majority of States Fall Short on Special Education Compliance, Ed. Dept. Says
States are evaluated by the Education Department each year in how well they meet both the regulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as well as how students with disabilities are performing academically.
Special Education
Opinion
After 20 Years, It's Time for an Inclusion Update
Two decades after federal law called for inclusion of students with disabilities, educators need to do more to make that vision a reality.
School Climate & Safety
Discipline Gaps—and Ways to Close Them—Get Researchers' Attention
Studies on school discipline policies that disadvantage some groups of students over others were a recurring theme at last week's American Educational Research Association meeting. Here is what researchers found.
School Climate & Safety
From Our Research Center
Students With Emotional Disabilities: Facts About This Vulnerable Population
Advocates worry students with special education needs such as “emotional disturbance” may be stigmatized in light of the intense spotlight on accused Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz’s mental health history.
Special Education
From Our Research Center
Getting Help Fast for Disabled, Homeless Students Isn't Easy
Nearly 1.4 million children in public school experience homelessness. Eighteen percent of them have a disability, too.