We are thrilled to share some exciting news regarding our ongoing systemic advocacy efforts here in Massachusetts. This is a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and collaborative initiatives aimed at achieving educational justice for all.

In recent developments, we have received communication from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) that requests the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) to provide essential documentation demonstrating their compliance with critical components of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Specifically, OSEP has requested documentation related to IDEA’s state complaint process, Child Find, and State Approved Special Education Schools.

READ THE OSEP REQUEST TO MA DESE HERE

This significant milestone is the direct result of continuous advocacy efforts that began with the “Getting the Right IDEA in Special Education: Striving for Educational Justice in Massachusetts” project initiated by the Special Needs Advocacy Network in collaboration with Northeastern University Law School in 2021. Since then, our collective advocacy work has gained momentum and had a profound ripple effect.

Many stakeholders, including individuals and organizations dedicated to systemic advocacy in Massachusetts, have long held concerns regarding the state’s compliance with IDEA’s state complaint process. These concerns have prompted us to seek OSEP’s assistance in investigating and addressing these compliance issues.

As we move forward, we remain hopeful that OSEP’s scrutiny will shed light on any shortcomings and deficiencies within our state’s special education system. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that meaningful changes are implemented to promote educational justice and provide every child with the quality education they deserve.

We want to express our gratitude to you and all those who have supported us on this journey. Your unwavering commitment to the cause of special education advocacy in Massachusetts is truly making a difference.

Stay tuned for further updates on our progress, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to get involved in our advocacy efforts.

Thank you for your continued support, and together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of students with special needs in Massachusetts.