Resources

This past year, there has been an increased passion and urgency to protect the rights of 8+ million students with disabilities. There’s also an opportunity to learn about the influential offices in the Department of Education (ED) — and why it’s imperative these offices must remain united under a single department.   As the administration continues down its dangerous path of gutting programs that support the education of students with disabilities, we’re shedding light on how four education offices function. We dive into why their expertise matters and how these offices help turn the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)’s promises into a reality.  The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) OSEP is the backstop to the IDEA. The office issues policy guidance and helps ensure states use IDEA funds properly so all students receive the support they need. This includes: Initiating and funding research and technical assistance centers uniquely designed to support special education teachers, specialists, and parents. Administering the distribution of IDEA funds and monitoring state implementation. Conducting site visits and collecting required data from states so Congress and the public are informed about the status of students with disabilities each year.  The experts at OSEP ensure the IDEA […]

If we want better outcomes for students with disabilities, we have to retain the educators who are committed to expanding inclusive learning environments. Yet entering this school year, public schools again reported that special education was among the hardest roles to staff; 74% of elementary and middle schools struggled to fill teacher vacancies, with special education positions among the most challenging to fill, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That’s not an isolated blip — it’s a pattern we’ve seen for years, with special education consistently ranking as one of the top shortage areas nationwide.  In October, the Center for Learner Equity (CLE), in partnership with the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association (NJPCSA), released a practical Action Guide for system and school leaders who are ready to move from worry to work. This resource focuses squarely on supporting and retaining special education teachers — because if school leaders can better understand the root causes of why special educators leave their jobs, then we can take action to help these teachers stay. What makes this guide different This guide goes beyond identifying the problem—it helps solve it. The guide is designed for quick adoption with tangible recommendations, ready-to-use […]

Federal funding for special education is critical to ensuring students with disabilities receive the services and supports they need. It is also a foundational investment in schools implementing quality instruction for all students. With the education policy landscape rapidly evolving, here’s what we’re tracking, what to watch, and how we can continue to uplift our vision around the future of education. Who does chronic underfunding impact? Nearly one in five students in the U.S. has a disability. Importantly, 85% of these students can achieve grade-level outcomes on par with their peers when they receive quality instruction tailored to their learning needs — using universal instructional strategies proven to benefit ALL students. That’s why fully funding individualized instruction and supports for 20% of public school students is the key to helping students with disabilities thrive. What’s missing from the conversation?  A key part of the conversation that is often overlooked when talking about current federal funding levels is that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has never been fully funded at the levels promised since its passage in 1975. Fifty years ago, Congress codified a commitment to educating and including children with disabilities, establishing the right to a free, appropriate […]