The Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services (ADE/ESS), recognizes the uncertainty that recent federal reductions in force within the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs may bring to education leaders across the state. We want to acknowledge the concern these national changes may cause and provide reassurance and clarity regarding Arizona’s unwavering commitment to children and youth with disabilities.

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says promotion of woke ideology is a significant reason behind potential school closures in several school districts. He points to the latest effort by the Scottsdale Unified District to promote the transgender agenda among elementary and middle school students.

The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) team is pleased to announce our second 2025-26 national presenter: “AAC Essentials: What Every Educator Needs to Know” with Rachel Madel M.A., CCC-SLP.

The National Resource Center for Paraeducators (NRCP) and the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE), in partnership with the ADE/ESS, are offering monthly, low-cost professional learning webinars for paraeducators, related service providers (RSPs), teachers, administrators, and other educators.

Non-Fundable Intervals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Guide

FY 2026 September Expenditure Report (BUDG-25)

Each year, ESS updates our contact lists of Lead Speech-Language Pathologists, Lead Occupational Therapists, Lead Physical Therapists, Lead School Psychologists, Assistive Technology Specialists, and Adaptive Physical Education Teachers.

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne says today’s anniversary of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel is a potent reminder of the continuing need for Holocaust instruction and he is praising Arizona’s law that requires such teaching.

Registration Now Open: Interpreting, Mentoring, Education & Training (IMET) Online Courses

Secondary Transition regional trainings are back! The ADE/ESS Program Support & Monitoring (PSM) unit and the Secondary Transition Team are partnering to offer in-person training on current secondary transition-related requirements and best practices.