Schools Expand Special-Education Support for Families

New Mexico’s Public Education Department is holding free Parent University events in Albuquerque and Las Cruces to help families of children with disabilities navigate IEPs and evaluations, support learning and wellness, and plan for transitions after high school. In Texas, a Region 16 conference brought educators together to strengthen literacy instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities, emphasizing that students can learn to read and write when teachers provide appropriate access and accommodations. In Iowa, a district and disability nonprofit hosted a discussion for parents of elementary students with special needs, focusing on IEPs, advocacy, available options and support for families. In Tennessee, a parent urged school officials to improve specialized training and resources for staff serving students with disabilities, including communication devices, sensory supports and safety measures.