U.S. Department of Education Announcement

Dear MASE Colleagues:

On June 16, the U.S. Department of Education announced an agreement to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice.

While there are still many questions about what this means in practice, this announcement represents a significant shift in the federal structure that has supported special education for the past 50 years.

Our voices have stood in alignment with many national organizations, including the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Council of Administrators for Special Education (CASE) expressing concern that moving special education oversight away from the Department of Education could fundamentally change how students with disabilities are viewed and supported. For decades, special education has been rooted within the broader educational system, reinforcing the belief that students with disabilities are students first and full members of their school communities. The CEC Policy Insider summed up the concern in this way:

Shifting IDEA from the Department of Education to the Health Department represents more than a bureaucratic change; it signals a move toward a medical model that views students as patients rather than as learners with strengths, potential, and belonging.

As school leaders, we know the importance of maintaining strong protections, consistent oversight, family supports, personnel preparation, and educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Those priorities remain unchanged regardless of where federal programs are housed.

At this point, many details remain unclear, and there will likely be additional information and guidance in the coming weeks and months. MASE will continue to monitor developments, stay connected with our national partners, and share information as it becomes available. You can also check out the CEC and CASE websites to stay up to date.

As always, thank you for your continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities and the educators who support them.

Respectfully,

Erin A. Toninato (she/her/hers)
Executive Director
Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE)