Washington Update: Defending Special Education Amidst Uncertainty Over the Executive Order
Dear Colleagues:
As special education faculty, researchers, and future leaders, your voice has never been more critical. This week, we anticipated an Executive Order that would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and potentially shift IDEA oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This concern was heightened by the confirmation of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education, an event that reportedly triggered discussions within the Administration about moving forward with the potential Executive Order.
Although the order did not materialize on Thursday as anticipated, uncertainty remains regarding if or when it will be issued. Regardless, the mere discussion of such drastic changes signals the Administration’s priorities and underscores the urgency of protecting our resources, funding, and the integrity of special education policy.
________________________________________
The Threat to Special Education
Even without a formal Executive Order, the potential policy shifts threaten the foundation of special education by:
• Weakening IDEA by moving oversight away from an education-focused agency.
• Diminishing federal funding for special education teacher preparation, professional development, and evidence-based research.
• Jeopardizing educational equity by decentralizing protections for students with disabilities.
Without the U.S. Department of Education’s oversight and expertise, IDEA faces a loss of critical supports, including dedicated school funding, due process protections, and a national commitment to inclusive education.
________________________________________
TED Advocacy Action Plan: How You Can Take Action
TED-CEC has been preparing for this moment and has developed a strategic advocacy response. Whether the Executive Order is issued or not, we must remain vigilant. We urge you to engage in the following actions:
1. Stay Informed & Utilize TED’s Advocacy Resources
We have compiled comprehensive resources to help you navigate these policy shifts:
• TED Policy & Advocacy Portal: Access up-to-date information, legislative alerts, and advocacy materials.
• Advocacy Briefs: Practical guidance on engaging with policymakers.
• Washington Updates: Stay informed about congressional actions impacting special education.
2. Speak Out: Engage Policymakers
Your expertise carries weight with decision-makers. Here’s how you can advocate:
• Contact Your Members of Congress: Express opposition to eliminating the Department of Education and transferring IDEA oversight to HHS. Use our scripts to call or email legislators.
• Request Meetings: Schedule virtual or in-person discussions with policymakers to highlight the impact on teacher preparation programs, research funding, and students with disabilities.
• Submit Op-Eds & Public Statements: Raise awareness through media outlets about how these policy changes threaten special education.
3. Mobilize Future & Current Educators
• Engage Your University & Students: Share TED’s advocacy resources with students and colleagues to encourage their involvement.
• Encourage Doctoral Student Advocacy: Mentor Ph.D. students in understanding policy implications and advocating effectively.
• Present at Conferences & Department Meetings: Integrate policy discussions into academic spaces to strengthen advocacy networks.
4. Protect Research & Federal Special Education Funding
Even if the Executive Order never comes, discussions around it indicate a troubling shift in priorities. We must advocate for:
• Continued investment in the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to support evidence-based practices.
• Funding for personnel preparation programs to address the ongoing special education teacher shortage.
• Federal support for special education research centers that develop interventions and inform policy.
5. Join TED’s Advocacy Network & Take Action Today
TED is mobilizing special education leaders nationwide to protect IDEA, special education funding, and research investments. Here’s how you can get involved:
• Attend TED’s Advocacy in Action Sessions to learn more about our resources and collaborate with colleagues.
• Join the Policy Committee to work directly with TED’s leadership on advocacy initiatives.
• Use TED’s Advocacy Toolkit for talking points, policy briefs, and templates to engage with legislators.
________________________________________
TED-CEC: A Strong Voice for Advocacy
TED-CEC remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for federal policies that support—not dismantle—special education. We urge policymakers to reject any attempt to eliminate the Department of Education or move IDEA under HHS. Instead, we call for:
• Sustained federal investment in special education research and teacher preparation.
• Enforcement of IDEA’s protections to ensure students with disabilities receive the services they need.
• A unified national commitment to a free and appropriate public education for all students.
________________________________________
Take Action: Defend the Future of Special Education
📣 We need your expertise, your voice, and your action. Whether the Executive Order arrives tomorrow, next month, or never, we must stay engaged. Protecting special education remains our priority, and we will not waver.
Together, we will ensure a strong future for special education. Together, we can make a difference.
Until next time…see you at CEC, I hope!
Kait
@brennan_kait
