Special Education Policy
Get insights into the federal, state, and local rules and polices regarding special education
Special Education
Ed. Dept. Seeks Standard Approach to Flagging Racial Bias in Special Education
A proposed rule would require all districts to use a common yardstick in measuring whether they over-identify minority students for special education services.
Teaching Profession
Is Special Education Paperwork Really a Problem?
Spoiler alert: Yes, many think so. But a federal report says district leaders also acknowledge paperwork's importance, and say state and local requirements impose their own burdens.
Special Education
Hillary Clinton's Autism Policy Proposal Takes Birth-Through-Adulthood Approach
Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton reached out to advocacy groups in formulating policy priorities around supporting children, youth and adults with autism. The proposal was released Tuesday.
Special Education
Hillary Clinton Unveils Autism Support Proposal
Clinton's plan would address the use of restraint and seclusion and expand the use of early screenings, among other proposals.
Every Student Succeeds Act
Your Favorite Special Education Posts of 2015
A wide variety of posts engaged readers of this blog in 2015, including posts about federal guidance, teaching, and special education law.
Special Education
Federal Special Education Official to Step Down by Year's End
Melody Musgrove, currently the director of the office of special education programs, will be returning to her home in Mississippi.
Education Funding
Rep. John Kline to Retire; Lawmaker Supported Increased IDEA Funding
Kline, a Republican from Minnesota, has been the top Republican on the House Education Committee since 2009.
Special Education
Education Department Alters Testing Requirement for Students with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education has taken a politically symbolic step: It's officially said that states can offer alternate assessments only to the 1 percent of students who have severe cognitive disabilities.
Special Education
Restraint and Seclusion, Gifted Education Among Amendments to ESEA Bill
States would have to develop plans to prevent unnecessary restraint and seclusion in schools, and the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Education program would be reauthorized under the pending ESEA rewrite.
Special Education
The 'Rise and Fall' of Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Standards
Intended for students who could not master grade-level content in one school year, these tests are on their way out, but they leave several lessons in their wake, says a recent analysis.
Special Education
Aid to Families of Children With Disabilities Exceeds Welfare Payments
Public health experts are suggesting that for some low-income families, the Supplemental Security Income program is replacing the cash benefits that were cut by 90s-era welfare reform efforts.
Special Education
Special Education Funding a Priority for House Education Committee Chairman
The federal government currently pays less than 20 percent of the excess costs of educating a student covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Education Funding
Proposed Budget Deal Seen As 'Positive Step' for Special Education Aid
Advocates say the bipartisan budget accord reached by congressional negotiators to roll back sequestration cuts is a good move, but want to keep the pressure on lawmakers.
Assessment
Ed. Dept. Proposes to End Testing Under Modified Standards
Most states have already pledged to do away with the tests, which were aimed at students who could not meet grade-level standards despite good instruction.