When education initiatives set out to help those who have been “historically disadvantaged or historically marginalized,” they perfectly describe students with disabilities. Yet too often, these students have been excluded from conversations about equity in education. Consequently, it is important for state boards of education to set audacious goals and to translate them into policy. As states align state policy and goals to work toward equitable education, they must pursue high expectations, appropriate services, and booming achievement for students with disabilities.


Debunking Myths about Students with Disabilities





Also In this Issue

Image credit: iStock Photos

Ensuring Students with Disabilities Leave School Ready to Succeed

By Kristin K. Liu, Martha L. Thurlow and Sheryl S. Lazarus

State boards can watch policies for red flags that hold students back.





Image credit: iStock Photos

Debunking Myths about Students with Disabilities

By Karla Phillips-Krivickas

State policy should confront the pervasive low expectations that the outcomes reveal.





Image credit: iStock Photos

Supporting Students with Disabilities throughout the Year

By Elizabeth Barker and Angela Johnson

The data point up a need for services that extend beyond the school year.





Reenvisioning the Future with Universal Design for Learning

By James D. Basham

Build a system that supports each student rather than a mythical average one.






Image credit: iStock Photos

Supporting English Learners with Disabilities

By Drew S. Fagan and Luis Javier Pentón Herrera

Equitable education means overcoming challenges in identification, staff training, and funding.





Image credit: iStock Photos

Understanding Special Education Teacher Shortages

By David Peyton and Kelly Acosta

State policies meaningfully affect recruitment and retention.







Featured Items

Complexity of thought processes and the human mind. Thoughts, creativity, emotions, mental health, vibrant art collage. Psychology, self-analysis, mental disorders and wellbeing, cognitive processes i

States Take Next Steps on Governing AI Use in Schools

In 2026, state boards of education are likely to move beyond issuing AI guidance and toward monitoring implementation and possibly developing policies.
Happy African American teacher and elementary student talking while walking through hallway. i

States Start Up Registered Principal Apprenticeships

A handful of states have been launching federally registered apprenticeships to better prepare new principals, remove barriers to entering the profession, and combat turnover.
A young university student female is practicing her welding skills i

Demonstrating Skills of Value

State education leaders are focused on ensuring students graduate ready for life after high school—but how do students know they’re building valuable, transferable skills, and how will employers and colleges recognize them?

Upcoming Events

From the States