In special education law, the courts have said that districts are not required to provide the “best” program but only what is “appropriate.”  In special-ed-ese, “appropriate” essentially means “necessary.”  In contrast, "best” means “extra but not really needed.”  This is a bizarre distinction because for most of us “best” is something that we should provide; it … Continue reading Information for experts who are making recommendations related to special education or Section 504. . . →

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), originally the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was signed into law on November 29, 1975, by Gerald Ford.Prior to the passage of this law, a 1972 Congressional investigation found that millions of students with disabilities in the U.S. were not being educated at all. And most states … Continue reading Happy 50th Anniversary IDEA! →

On October 10, 2025, the Trump administration laid off 466 employees in the federal Department of Education, including eliminating almost everyone at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). This is called a Reduction in Force (RIF), and the administration intends that this will go into effect in December 2025. A federal judge has intervened … Continue reading Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education: A disaster for students with disabilities →

I attended the SEEK conference last Sunday, and a participant wisely said that parents need a one-page document describing their special education rights. So this is my attempt. . .Special Education in Connecticut - Parent Bill of Rights[1] Parents have a right to attend their child’s PPTs at a time that is mutually agreed-upon with the school … Continue reading Parent Bill of Rights →

The final version of HB-5001 (formerly HB-7277) is now law. Public Act 25-67 is here. My previous post lists a few highlights. My main conclusion: this law could have been so much worse. Thank you so much to all the families who wrote and called their legislators! You made a difference! More soon.

UPDATE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION BILL HB-5001 (formerly HB-7277) For better or worse, HB-5001 passed the House. The better: Students still have the ability to receive special education services through the end of the school year they turn 22. There are no changes to burden of proof in due process hearings or to who has to … Continue reading Special Education Legislative Update →

The Connecticut legislature is poised to vote on two special education bills that, if passed, will eliminate some critical rights and protections that children with disabilities currently have. A few of the “poison pills” lurking in House Bill 7277 and the identical Senate Bill 1561: The bills require that the state make Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) less transparent by … Continue reading Devastating special education bills still moving forward – ACT NOW! →

I was honored to be invited to testify last Tuesday before members of the Senate in DC regarding the attempted dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and the damaging impact this is having on children with disabilities. But even in DC, I couldn't help thinking about the damaging special education bills being pushed through … Continue reading An Education Advocate Goes to Washington →

Connecticut's House Bill 7277 and the identical Senate Bill 1561 were just barely voted out of the Select Committee on Special Education (the vote was only 8 in favor to 7 opposed). But the bills are out, and we need to act now! Please email and/or call your state representative and your state senator. Don't … Continue reading Take action to stop the dismantling of special education in Connecticut! →

Connecticut families, please send emails to your state Representatives and Senators asking them to oppose special education bills HB 7277 and SB 1561, which are identical. If you do not know who your Representative or Senator is, click here to find out! (If you are interested, a link to HB 7277, all 63 pages of … Continue reading Special Education is at risk in CT – Please Oppose HB 7277 and SB 1561 →