March 29, 2022

Parents’ guide to 504 plans and IEPs: What they are and how they're different

With more students qualifying for special education, understanding the options is crucial for parents as they advocate for their children.

Carolyn Jones

February 11, 2022

Stop isolating students with disabilities

California schools isolate disabled kids from others far too much even though studies show all kids benefit from being together. Let's stop doing that.

Lisa Simpson

February 3, 2022

After setbacks, dyslexia screening for young students moves forward in California schools

Nearly $30 million is already allocated or proposed for dyslexia research and screening for young California students in an effort advocates say is long overdue.

Carolyn Jones

December 3, 2021

L.A. Unified's next leader must pursue police-free schools and truly engage the community

We need a superintendent who will treat students, families and communities as partners and not ignore or dismiss us.

Marshé Doss and Joseph Williams

November 5, 2021

California students with disabilities can enroll in independent study, judge rules

Some California students with disabilities had been shut out of school this year because independent study wasn't in their learning plans.

Carolyn Jones

October 8, 2021

California independent study sparks equity concerns for students with disabilities

Independent study does not always provide services to students with special needs who can't attend in-person classes, families say.

Carolyn Jones

September 14, 2021

ACLU sues Bay Area school district over ‘separate, unequal and illegal’ special education program

Lawsuit: Black students and English learners in Pittsburg Unified are disproportionately shunted into special education and subject to harsh discipline.

Carolyn Jones

July 30, 2021

Special education funding should be more streamlined, report finds

Funding should be based on students' needs, not attendance, to help achieve more equitable academic outcomes, researchers say.

Carolyn Jones

July 22, 2021

How California plans to deter costly special education disputes

A new initiative is meant to help parents and schools settle Covid-related disputes over services for students before heading to court.

Carolyn Jones

July 2, 2021

Special education sees 'historic' boost in new funding

California will get over $1 billion in state and federal funding for students with disabilities, many of whom struggled in distance learning.

Carolyn Jones

May 10, 2021

What happens when California students in special education return to the classroom?

The forecast is mixed for special education students. Many will be behind academically, but some thrived with distance learning.

Carolyn Jones

February 16, 2021

Special education teachers grapple with risks of in-person classes: ‘An impossible choice’

Students who won’t wear masks or socially distance create for a “nerve-wracking” work environment.

Carolyn Jones

November 30, 2020

Less siloed, more inclusive: Changes to special education teacher preparation expected to have big impact on schools

Under the new standards, special education teachers will be able to co-teach in “mainstream” classrooms.

Carolyn Jones

November 20, 2020

Why special education advocates are hopeful about the Biden administration

As a candidate, Biden promised full funding of programs that benefit students with disabilities.

Carolyn Jones

October 5, 2020

Special education funding should be less isolated, have more accountability, report finds

Schools can save money by combining services and blending funding, a new special education report says.

Carolyn Jones