The Special Education Administrator’s News Digest
Winter 2023 Edition 1
Special education news special education administrators need to know in 350 words or less, delivered semi-monthly.
Supreme Court Will Decide if “Dual-Track” IDEA and 504 Litigation Will Be Permitted
The Supreme Court on January 18, 2023 heard the case Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools, which will determine whether “dual-track litigation” under both IDEA and ADA (and/or Section 504) will be permitted. Based on oral arguments, the justices of the court seemed inclined to lean towards dual-track litigation. Dual-track litigation could be costly for school districts. There are also concerns that it may result in parents focusing on financial outcomes over educational outcomes. A decision in this case is expected by summer.
For different perspectives on this, read these pieces from the following publications:
Recent Spending Bill Means 19% More Federal Funding for Special Education
Congress in December 2022 approved a $1.7 trillion spending plan which includes $15.5 billion allocated for special education, an increase from $13 billion last year, but still not enough to fully fund the committed 40% from IDEA. This increase adds money for teacher preparation and professional development as well as special education services for infants, toddlers, and schoolchildren.
For more information on this, read these pieces from the following publications:
U.S. Department of Education Offers Guidance on Evaluations and Eligibility Determinations For Students with Disabilities Who Move Frequently
The U.S. Department of Education in November 2022 issued guidance to provide clarity for school districts and school staff on how to ease the transition for “highly mobile children.” When students move to a new district and have existing IEPs, schools should try to provide expedited evaluations and eligibility determinations within 30 days. Also, comparable special education services should be provided upon moving, whether or not a student with an IEP moves during the regular school year or the summer when Extended School Year services are offered.
For more details on the guidance, read these pieces from the following publications:
Innovative Special Education Teacher Recruitment Practices Emerging in Indiana
Many special education administrators are looking for new ways to recruit and may want to consider how to partner with higher education institutions in their area. Indiana provides an example of how to do this locally. Indiana local and state administrators are working together to find creative solutions to the special education teacher shortage while simultaneously ensuring teachers are receiving proper licensure to teach special education.
For more information, read the story here:
