Although IDEA requires schools to inform parents of their right to invite others at special ed. meetings on their behalf, if enacted H.R. 4259 would help to make sure they know of this right, since schools would be required to notify parents of students with disabilities that they can invite…
Last fall, NAPSA joined 41 other national organizations in signing on to a letter supporting the EDUCATORS for America Act (S 3360/HR 6205), which would invest in and revitalize federal educator preparation programs. It was sent to all members of the US Congress. The letter states that there were an…
Title I funding for schools educating students from low-income families would face a severe 80% cut under a proposal for fiscal year 2024 by the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee. On July 13, 2023, Republicans on the committee said in a statement that the decrease is justified because of unspent federal…
During the week of July 10th, special education professionals visited congressional offices in Washington, D.C. to advocate for more funding to support services for students with disabilities, address special educator shortages, and build positive school climates. The visits to Capitol Hill were part of the annual Special Education Legislative Summit…
During the week of July 10, 2023 Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Jared Huffman plan to re-introduce the IDEA Full Funding Act. As a member of NASISP, NAPSA is endorsing the Act via a joint letter that will be sent to both chambers of Congress. The only changes from…
On May 18, 2023, Reps. Susan Wild (D-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Sean Casten (D-IL) teamed up to introduce the Safe Interactions Act – a bipartisan bill to improve interactions between law enforcement officers and people with disabilities and mental health needs. This legislation will provide enhanced trainings to our…
Top U.S. Department of Education (USDE) officials are slamming a Republican spending proposal spearheaded by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy that would raise the federal debt ceiling but impose deep budget cuts on the agency. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona publicly criticized the GOP debt ceiling plan stating that McCarthy is showing…
On March 24, 2023 a bill titled the Parents' Bill of Rights Act passed the US House by a 213-208 vote along party lines, with five Republicans joining all Democrats in opposing the bill. According to its proponents the bill, championed by House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx,…
Bills introduced in Congress could have a potential impact on students with disabilities and minority students. As always, as a member of NASISP, NAPSA will lend its voice in advocacy as is appropriate. The following education-related bills have been introduced in Congress. Click to check their progress.HB4967 To amend the Carl…
On March 10, 2023, NAPSA Signed on to the "Bill of Rights for Students and Parents” House Resolution sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, the resolution emphasizes “inclusive” schools and access to high-quality education. The resolution follows the March 8th marathon education committee session, which stretched 16 hours into the following…
