Policies, Procedures and Practices

The Policies, Procedures and Practices section of the Special Education webpage serves as a cornerstone of the state's general supervision system under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This section provides access to federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71B, as well as the implementing regulations found in 603 CMR 28.00 and 603 CMR 18.00. These legal frameworks establish the rights of students with disabilities and describe the responsibilities of school districts in delivering a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

To support effective implementation, DESE offers a range of technical assistance resources, such as administrative and technical assistance advisories, guidance documents, and special memos all aligned with both federal regulations and Massachusetts state statutes. These resources are designed to support districts in implementing high-quality special education services that ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). These resources provide guidance on compliance, best practices, and evolving policy priorities to promote equitable outcomes for all students.

Last Updated: June 23, 2025