National Association of State Directors of Special Education

10/29/2025

Final Keynote of the 2025 NASDSE Annual Conference. Two former Assistant Secretaries of The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services(OSERS): Continuity of Purpose : Leadership Across the Aisle and Across Time

10/28/2025

NASDSE 2026 Board of Directors -Oath of Office

10/28/2025

IDEA Part B General Supervision Activities for State Special Education Departments as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

10/27/2025

10/13/2025

NASDSE has learned that OSERS has experienced a significant reduction in force (RIF). According to informal reports, only the two most senior staff remain in OSEP and only one single staff member remains in RSA. While the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) has not publicly confirmed these RIFs, NASDSE believes the informal reports to be true.

NASDSE is confused and concerned by these staffing decisions.

The Department has repeatedly said it supports - and will continue to support - funding and implementation of the IDEA and special education for children with disabilities. The Department has also repeatedly said it would fulfill all statutory obligations. These RIFs, if true, will make it impossible for the Department to fulfill those responsibilities.

There is significant risk that not only will Federal funding lapse, but children with disabilities will be deprived of FAPE.

NASDSE looks forward to the Department’s formal response to these reports and to learning how the Department intends to continue faithfully implementing the IDEA.