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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Kelly Rogers, the U.S. Department of Education’s top special education official, has unexpectedly resigned after four months in the role, as the agency begins transferring more than 100 Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) employees to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Rogers had previously indicated that she would continue supervising OSERS staff from the Education Department following their move, but officials have not said who will replace her or how oversight will now work. The transfers are part of a wider restructuring that will also move 57 Office for Civil Rights employees to the Department of Justice. Disability advocates have criticized the changes, arguing that splitting responsibilities among federal agencies could increase bureaucracy, disrupt coordination, and create uncertainty for educators, families, and people with disabilities. The Education Department is proceeding despite congressional efforts to halt the changes. A Senate committee has advanced legislation that would prevent OSERS from being transferred to another agency, while a similar bipartisan proposal has been introduced in the House.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
California parents are pressing schools to install cameras in special education classrooms after allegations of abuse involving students who may struggle to communicate what happens at school. Campaigns in Visalia and Bakersfield have attracted thousands of petition signatures, with supporters arguing recordings could verify mistreatment and protect vulnerable children. Visalia parent Brittney Camacho said: “Cameras are so, so important because these children don't have a voice.” However, districts cite privacy, legal and labour concerns, while existing California law restricts classroom recording without teacher and principal consent. Advocates point to Texas, where cameras can be installed in certain special education classrooms on request and footage accessed following abuse allegations. Supporters say such systems can both substantiate complaints and clear wrongly accused educators.
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Education Slice
Texas
Texas has introduced a new funding model for special education services, effective this school year. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has shifted from a system based on service delivery to one that assigns funding tiers based on individual student needs as documented in their individualized education program (IEP). Each student will be categorized into one of eight tiers, reflecting the level of support required in areas such as learning, behavior, and communication. TEA emphasized that funding tiers should not dictate service placement or the services provided. For the 2026-27 school year, Texas is set to allocate an additional $250m for special education compared to the previous system, ensuring that schools receive at least as much funding as before. However, starting in 2027-28, funding will be determined solely by the new model, which may result in varying amounts for different districts.
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Education Slice
Florida
In Southwest Florida, more families are utilizing state scholarships to enroll their children in private schools, leading to significant growth in local Catholic schools. The Diocese of Venice reported a 40% increase in enrollment over the past six years, with Father John Belmonte, superintendent of Catholic education, stating: “We’ve really been able... to increase enrollment more than the demographic increases.” Approximately 95% of families now participate in school choice, with many relying on scholarships to afford private education. The Diocese has seen a year-over-year enrollment growth of about 10% and has invested in teacher salaries and educational programs as a result. Belmonte noted that the shift from a traditional tuition model to one based on actual educational costs has allowed for better compensation and resources. Despite rising tuition, some families now pay little to nothing out of pocket due to additional scholarship funding.
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