Washington Update: May 12, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
As always, I’m keeping a close eye on the latest developments in federal education policy that affect our field—especially around special education, equity, and access. Below are three important updates from this past week, including new action on Capitol Hill, a significant GAO report, and an upcoming opportunity to bring your voice directly to policymakers.
1.Senate Forum Highlights Threats to the Department of Education
On Tuesday, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) hosted a public forum alongside ten of her Senate colleagues focused on the growing discussion around dismantling or significantly weakening the U.S. Department of Education. The event— “Abandoning America’s Promise: The Real Cost of Dismantling the Department of Education”—spotlighted the potential consequences for students, families, educators, and schools.
Testimony came from Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Education Trust CEO Denise Forte, parent advocate Diane Willcutts, and Army veteran Tasha Berkhalter. Each speaker shared powerful insights into the Department’s essential work: enforcing civil rights, overseeing student loan programs, distributing federal funds, and supporting local and state education systems.
Willcutts, a parent of a child with epilepsy, described how the Department’s Office for Civil Rights helped her family reverse a local decision that had barred her child from accessing transportation—ensuring he could return safely to school. It was a clear reminder that for many families, the Department is not just a federal agency—it’s a lifeline.
As lawmakers continue conversations about potential restructuring or downsizing of federal departments, the forum served as a powerful reminder of what could be at risk—and who could be left behind—if the Department’s role is diminished.
2. GAO Flags Special Education Gaps in DoD Schools
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report titled “Special Education: Improved Allocation of Resources Could Help DOD Education Activity Better Meet Students’ Needs.” The report focuses on the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which operates schools worldwide for military-connected families. About 15% of DoDEA students receive special education services—mirroring the national average.
Despite the system’s size and resources, the GAO found persistent service delays and gaps that could negatively impact student outcomes. To address these concerns, the GAO issued five specific recommendations for the Department of Defense:
1. Revise staffing formulas to reflect the actual minutes of services required.
2. Ensure paraeducators supporting students with behavioral needs are trained in crisis response.
3. Provide special educators with accessible, supplemental training materials.
4. Offer specialized reading interventions tailored to specific disabilities like dyslexia.
5. Clearly communicate when policy updates will be released and what interim guidance staff should use.
The Department of Defense partially concurred with each recommendation and offered context on current efforts. This is a clear example of how even in well-structured systems, challenges like staffing, training, and communication persist—and how vital it is that we stay focused on equity, access, and strong implementation for students with disabilities.
3. SELS Early Bird Deadline is Almost Here
If you’re planning to attend the 2025 Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS), now’s the time to register! Early bird pricing ends May 15, and this is your chance to save on what’s always an energizing, impactful few days.
SELS brings together educators, advocates, and policy professionals from across the country to sharpen advocacy skills and bring real stories to Capitol Hill. This year’s Summit will take place July 13–15 in Washington, D.C., and includes in-depth trainings followed by meetings with federal lawmakers.
It’s not just a conference—it’s your chance to show up, speak up, and shape the future of special education policy. If you’ll be there, let me know—I’d love to connect while we’re in town.
Keep Showing Up
Whether it’s testifying at a forum, tracking GAO findings, or heading to the Hill, our collective voice continues to matter. In every space—big or small—there are opportunities to remind decision-makers that students with disabilities and the educators who serve them deserve more, not less. Stay informed, stay active, and keep showing up. The work continues—and so do we.
With appreciation and resolve,
Kait
@brennan_kait
