Upcoming Webinar - Responding to Requests for Homebound Instruction

Do you have parents requesting homebound instruction?  What documentation is required?  When should you hold an IEP meeting?  Is that ever a least restrictive environment?  What are your child find responsibilities?  Caroline Roselli from the law firm of Robbins Schwartz will answer these questions and many more as she tackles this tough issue for special education administrators.  Get registered at http://bit.ly/2T7gTbJ

Update on Significant Disproportionality - Court Rules Against Department of ED

CASE has been hard at work on behalf of its members on the issue of disproportionality.  After gathering feedback at the Board of Directors meeting in November, CASE submitted comments regarding the issue to Johnny Collett, the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).  Many of you completed the survey we sent out and our Significantly Disproportionality Ad Hoc committee is taking all of that into consideration. 

Meanwhile, on Thursday, March 7, the US District Court for the District of Columbia announced its decision ruling the US Department of Education engaged in "illegal delay." CASE did immediately released a statement concerning this development.   
We are committed to continue working together on this very important issue through our AD HOC committee to figure out next steps for our members across the country. 

Here is an article from our legislative consultant that may help to clarify! 

Court Rules Regulation Delay Violates Federal Law
Myrna Mandlawitz, CASE legislative Consultant
Implementation of a 2016 regulation related to significant disproportionality in special education, promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education at the end of the Obama Administration, was put on hold by the current Administration in early 2017. The regulations would require states and local school districts to examine, report on, and address disproportionate identification and placement into more restrictive settings of students of color, as well as examining disciplinary actions for students with disabilities, including higher rates of suspension and expulsion.
After delaying the original regulation, the Department initially said it would issue a new proposed regulation in February 2019. That date came and went. While waiting for Department action, in July 2018 the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), represented by the National Center for Youth Law, filed suit against the Department of Education alleging the Department's delay violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Specifically, the suit alleged the Department had taken actions that interfere with its obligation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure students with disabilities receive needed education services in the most appropriate setting without regard to students' race.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia announced its decision on March 7, ruling the U.S. Department of Education engaged in "illegal delay of a legal regulation." The court's ruling requires immediate implementation of the original regulations. Interestingly, a number of states continued to move toward implementation of the 2016 regulation, even though the Department suspended the regulation, so many states will not to have change their current activities.
In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) on April 15, 2018, CASE stated "we strongly support addressing the issue of significant disproportionality, with special education eligibility as one factor. However, we also recognize this is a much larger systemic education issue that cannot be resolved solely through these regulations. That said, we are aware several states have made significant progress toward implementing these rules, with the original deadline close at hand. We do not want states that have followed the timetable to be penalized, while those that did not plan for the deadline are allowed greater flexibility than those that did. In addition, we believe delay may cause greater confusion in the field and continued wide variability in practice, exactly what these regulations are designed to avoid."
We are now waiting to see if the Department of Education will appeal the decision, or what their next move will be regarding this important regulation. In fact, this decision could have farther reaching consequences, since the Department has been moving to roll back other regulations across the various education programs they administer. It will be interesting to see if other organizations or stakeholders challenge other regulatory actions.
You can read the full decision in Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. v. DeVos, Collett, U.S. Department of Education at https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2018cv1636-31.

Share Your Knowledge - Lots of Upcoming Opportunities

We know that our IAASE Members are talented presenters and professionals.  Several upcoming conferences have calls for programs currently available including the following:
CASE/NASDSE Joint Conference – October 27-29, 2019 The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) are excited to be hosting our 2nd joint conference that reflects the desired collaboration between local and state special education directors and their stakeholders. Click here to find the call for programs and more information about this conference. 
Illinois Statewide Transition Conference - OctoberThe Illinois Statewide Transition Conference invites submissions of proposals to present at the 2019 Illinois Statewide Transition Conference, Stepping Stones of Transition to be held October 17-18, 2019 in Collinsville, Illinois. Each of you brings hope, education, and inspires change in people to find the courage to help those you work with fulfill their potential. Join a myriad of others interested in doing this and also gain new skills at innovative workshops. Submit a proposal to present and also network with colleagues, experts in other fields and families at this year’s Illinois Statewide Transition conference.  Click here to get started. 
Council for Exceptional Children - February, 2020The International Council for Exceptional Children will host its Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon in February, 2020.  Interested in submitting a workshop? Please use this link that will take you to the 2020 CEC Workshop Call for Proposals. Workshops provide practical, evidence-based information and are full- or half-day workshops.

IAASE Members Encouraged To Register for CASE/CEC Special Education Legislative Summit

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2019 Special Education Legislative Summit


The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) invite you to the 2019 Special Education Legislative Summit, the premier advocacy event of the year for special educators and early interventionists.

During this event, advocates from across the country gather to educate our nation’s policymakers about:
  • Protecting and increasing IDEA funding for its intended purpose.
  • Ensuring no policy restricts public education’s ability to deliver a free appropriate public education and early intervention services.
  • Safeguarding the rights of children and youth with exceptionalities.
You know what children and youth with exceptionalities and professionals need, so raise your voice and advocate with us during the 2019 Special Education Legislative Summit this July!

Hurry to register at Early Bird rates!

Be an advocate!
Council for Exceptional Children
2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22202