Special Education

April 7, 2020

Disability rights groups, school administrators spar over possible changes to special education laws

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos may recommend special education changes to Congress.

April 3, 2020

Communication, persistence are key for teaching special education online

Tips, advice, and encouragement were offered at the state's first webinar on special education during school closures.

April 1, 2020

Special education inconsistent in California school districts during closures

Some have already launched online learning, while others are still in the planning phase.

March 24, 2020

Despite assurances of flexibility, educators fear liability in online instruction of special ed students

Some districts had cut back on services for disabled students out of fear of lawsuits over equity.

March 20, 2020

Proposed coronavirus federal aid package could disrupt special education

Senate bill could open the door for districts to waive federal special education law.

March 19, 2020

California students enrolled in special education face unique burdens during school closure

The loss of specialized services and daily routine poses challenges for California’s 800,000 students in special education.

February 18, 2020

Special education in California in need of overhaul, researchers say

Better training for teachers and improved screening of children are among the report’s recommendations.

January 10, 2020

Amid shortages, schools settle for underprepared special education teachers

The number of new special education teachers working without a full credential hit 5,196 in 2017-18 — the highest number in a decade.

November 21, 2019

‘Moderate’ funding increase predicted for California schools, community colleges in 2020-21

A recession is still a ways off, says the Legislative Analyst's Office; mandated costs will eat into an estimated $3.4 billion increase.

November 8, 2019

California spending over $13 billion annually on special education

A new Legislative Analyst’s Office report is intended to provide a “high level review” for the Legislature as it considers overdue reforms.

October 2, 2019

Identifying developmental delays is target of new California law

The new law requires doctors to screen children enrolled in Medi-Cal for developmental delays three times before they turn 3.

May 28, 2019

California governor and lawmakers at odds over new special education funding

Legislators and advocates for students with disabilities praise the big increase that Gov. Newsom proposes for special education but reject his idea for spending it.

May 20, 2019

Lawsuit challenges use of restraint, seclusion in California special education school

The guardians of four special education students claim their children were illegally put in restraint holds and secluded.

May 9, 2019

Gov. Newsom proposes $90 million in scholarships for new teachers in revised budget

Gov. Newsom proposes more K-12, community college funds; loan forgiveness for new special education, math and science teachers.

January 10, 2019

Windfall for California K-12 schools, more spending from early to higher ed in Newsom's first budget

Newsom would increase spending for education from early to higher ed, including a path to full-day preschool for every low-income child and full-day kindergarten for all 5-year olds. A surprise for K-12 districts — pension-cost relief — would free up money to spend as they want.