In an effort to help destigmatize mental health challenges among students, a recently signed California law allows the term ”emotional disability″ to replace “emotional disturbance” for special education services. The measure, which takes effect January 1, 2024, does not change the definition of the term and does not alter school-based…
As reported by K-12 Dive, in order to improve compliance with federal guidelines, a new Minnesota state law limits how long special education teachers from alternative pathways can instruct by enacting stricter requirements to become a special education teacher in the state, including limits on those who pursue alternative pathways.…
On April 23, 2024. Tennessee House Republicans votes 68-28 to pass legislation to allow some trained teachers and school staff to carry handguns despite pleas from Democrats, students and gun-reform advocates to defeat the bill. Dozens of protestors in the galleries began chanting "Blood on your hands" as soon as…
HB 2618 required the Oregon Department of Education to conduct a study to identify the best methodology for determining the appropriate number of students on a workload for Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists. It also directed the department to submit findings of the study to the interim committees…
On November 1, 2023, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an Executive Order requiring schools to notify all parents of a school-connected drug overdose within 24 hours. Interestingly, it does not define what is considered to be a school-connected drug overdose, which places school officials in a tenuous position. The directive…
As interest in disability-inclusive curricula grows, in April 2023 the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced the creation of a Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program to instruct K-12 students on the political, economic, and social contributions of individuals with disabilities. Under the program, schools can apply for up to $30,000…
As the opioid abuse crisis continues to wreak havoc and the number of overdoses are reaching historic highs, laws have been passed in Illinois, Mississippi, Oregon, and Texas that call for statewide lessons on fentanyl and drug abuse. Similar legislation is also currently under consideration in California. The push to…
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has announced that three Maryland school districts will receive about $1 million each to help address the overidentification of students of color who receive special education services. The funds will target overidentification of students of color who are classified as having intellectual and emotional…
