Mass Layoffs at Office for Special Education Programs Put Special Education in Jeopardy
![[image of an empty classroom]](/sites/default/files/styles/half_width_xl/public/2022-11/iStock-1366797961.jpg?itok=TQNyxuBG)
Last weekend, the U.S. Department of Education fired 121 special education experts within the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), leaving fewer than a handful remaining to ensure supports and services for the more than 8 million children eligible for special education services. The near wholesale elimination of OSEP, which its own website says is “dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts,” could lead to the fast erosion of the nation’s special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
On October 14, CEC Executive Director Chad Rummel appeared on CNN to speak about the devastating impact of these layoffs on children, families, and educators. Reflecting on the historic importance of IDEA, now approaching its 50th anniversary, he shared the story of the educators who once drove through communities to tell families their children could finally attend public schools, leaving institutions behind.
“If we take away the support that implements this law, that begins to erode,” Rummel said. “And we’re going to step back a generation. That’s not what I believe Americans in this country want to do.”
Two days later, on October 16, Rummel joined NPR’s 1A podcast alongside Becca Walawender, former Director of Policy and Planning for OSERS, and Laura Meckler, national education writer for The Washington Post. During the discussion, host Jenn White asked how local school districts might respond without federal oversight.
“Special education teachers are trained in the ideas of IDEA,” Rummel explained. “We believe in educating these children—that’s why they’re in this profession. And let me just say, these special education teachers are going to continue to do the hard work, and the heart work, for these kids, whether there’s implementation of this law or not.”
You can listen to the full podcast here:
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