IEP San Diego Inc.

Does anyone wonder why districts continue to buy expensive programs that appear to not be supported by data? Is it just because they’re able to put children on computers and not provide direct instruction? I-ready is the new program San Diego unified us using this school year as diagnostic test both for reading and math to determine a child’s performance yet there does not appear to be data to support that this is an adequate program!

i-Ready: 13 Million Students, Zero Meaningful Evidence The Data Gap Behind One of America’s Largest EdTech Tools

California law pushes phonics-based reading for elementary, middle school students

Supreme Court To Weigh How Intellectual Disability Is Defined Disability advocates are speaking out as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to take on a case that hinges on whether a diagnosis of intellectual disability should be based on more than an IQ score.

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🚨 Special Education Alert: OSEP Layoffs & IDEA Oversight

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What’s Happening
• The U.S. Department of Education recently conducted mass layoffs (RIFs).
• The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which enforces IDEA, was hit hardest:
• Nearly all staff laid off
• Only 2 senior leaders remain
• Only 1 staff member in the Rehabilitation Services Administration remains
• These cuts occurred during a federal shutdown, furloughing 95% of staff.
• Existing IDEA and Title I funds continue, but:
• Civil rights investigations are paused
• New grants and technical support are on hold
• Proposals exist to move special education oversight to Health & Human Services (HHS), requiring congressional approval.

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Why It Matters
• IDEA enforcement is at risk
• States & districts may be confused about compliance
• Families could face delays or denials of services
• Funding may slow, affecting timely supports
• Accountability gaps put children at risk

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Potential Impact on Your Child
• Schools may ignore or delay IDEA requirements
• Evaluations and services could be postponed
• Parents must advocate more strongly
• Disparities between districts may grow

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What Parents Can Do

✅ Stay informed: NASDSE, COPAA, K-12 Dive
✅ Document everything: communications, meetings, IEP progress
✅ Know your rights: IDEA procedural safeguards and state rules
✅ Ask questions: request explanations in writing for service delays/changes
✅ Contact legislators: demand full staffing & funding for OSEP
✅ Connect locally: parent advocacy & disability rights organizations

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Bottom Line

This isn’t just about staffing—it’s about the future of special education enforcement.
Without federal oversight, parents are the strongest protection for their child’s rights under IDEA.

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Local Resources:
• COPAA – Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates
• Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy
• State Parent Training & Information Centers – search your state for contact info

Source: K-12 Dive – OSEP Layoffs & Federal Shutdown

🌟 Join us for a Special Education Fundamentals Course! 🌟

📅 Date: 8/20/2025
🕒 Time: 5:30 PM
💻 Via Zoom

This is a fantastic opportunity for parents and providers to dive deep into the IEP process and learn how to become a stronger advocate for their child. Don’t miss out on this empowering session! 💪✨

🔗 Save the date and share with others who might benefit!

Registration link in our Bio!

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WRJELbR9Qxu4CJhlAuomWQ

                                 

Administration Rescinds Access to Education Services for Undocumented Children

In a sharp departure from previous federal guidelines, the Administration has announced its intention to rollback eligibility for domestic assistance programs for children and families who are undocumented. Specific to education and citing Executive Order 14218 “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders” the Department of Education (ED) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have put all states on notice that they plan to formally rescind a 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) which has been used to allow states to serve undocumented children previously deemed eligible for preschool services through Head Start as well as young adult students participating in career/technical education (CTE), and adult education programs. While HHS has indicated that their new guidance will be released through the official 60-day notice and comment period, ED has requested grantees to verify participant eligibility to ensure compliance. ED also released a new “interpretive rule” that details the interplay between PRWORA and Plyler v. Doe and concludes, “Federal programs administered [by ED] that provide postsecondary education and other similar benefits, including adult education and CTE programs, are “Federal public benefits” subject to the citizenship and immigration verification requirements of PRWORA, so long as such benefits are not protected under Plyler as part of a basic public education.” With an understanding of the potential impacts on students with disabilities, COPAA is examining the new policies and is collaborating with partners to determine whether and how to weigh in with Administration on this policy position.

🔗 https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-ends-taxpayer-subsidization-of-postsecondary-education-illegal-aliens

🔗 https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/prwora-hhs-bans-illegal-aliens-accessing-taxpayer-funded-programs.html

Text - H.R.3734 - 104th Congress (1995-1996): Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

🔗 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/11/2025-12925/clarification-of-federal-public-benefits-under-the-personal-responsibility-and-work-opportunity

ALT - White background with COPAA logo, Text reads Weekly News

Trump Ends $1 Billion in Mental Health Grants for Schools The Education Department told grantees that their awards reflected the Biden administration's priorities.

Legislative deal on reading instruction reached in the nick of time Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas called for an agreement on how to train teachers in reading instruction; when he didn’t get it, he pressured both sides to reach a deal.

How Education Department layoffs could impact students with disabilities.
“The provision of education to students with disabilities is complex,” said Denise Marshall, CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, which represents families of children with special needs in schools. “They have to have an education with specialized instruction-related services, all the supports they need to learn and grow, and there has to be expert personnel to interpret and carry out the statute’s requirements.”

What the Education Department layoffs could mean for students with disabilities Experts say this week's mass layoffs could lead to less research and support for children nationwide.