Special Education

An individual with autism may need specialized instruction, assistive technology, therapies, and positive behavioral supports that reflect their unique strengths in order to develop the skills to actively participate in the world. It is the Academic Achievement and Inclusive Practices unit's goal to share the knowledge, practices, and supports that will help define effective services and programs in schools, districts, and homes. 

In order to qualify for special education under the regulations that implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a child needs to be a child with a disability, meaning that the child has been evaluated as having a qualifying disability, and by reason thereof needs special education. [See 34 C.F.R. § 300.8(a)]

The Special Education Data Dashboard (SEDD) is a one-stop-shop for public education agencies (PEAs) to securely view their unique education data and provide public statewide data with redaction. The Special Education Data Dashboard will continue to be expanded, and more information, such as training videos, will be coming soon. 

The College and Career Competency Framework supports educators in systematically embedding intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies into course content to help students become career-equipped, life-long learners.

Educators have seen the following impacts from competency instruction:

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Dear Colleague Letter, US DOE/Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), 2022.

In any conversation it is important that the parties share a common vocabulary. Sometimes the common terms used in special education are misunderstood. Below are some commonly used special education terms with their accompanying definitions to help ensure effective communication.

The suggestions below are practical advice, not requirements. ESS and Dispute Resolution staff have collaborated to share their ideas about how to develop, nurture and maintain good relationships with parents, how to make the IEP process smoother and more understandable, and how to help build a culture of ongoing compliance along the way.

Parents play an integral role in the special education process. When, for any number of reasons, a parent is not available to participate in this process, the IDEA has procedures in place to ensure a child’s rights are represented. These procedures involve the appointment of a “surrogate parent.”