Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Logo
Security Portal
|
School Profiles
Stay informed about COVID-19 and the latest health and safety guidance for school districts
Special Education

Special Education

Outline of Massachusetts State with Collage of Children
Special Education Updates
03/24/2023 View HTML Page  Notice of Public Comment on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Annual State Application. The deadline for submission of public comment is April 24, 2023.
03/24/2023 View HTML Page  DESE's Special Education team is proud to announce the release of a newly updated IEP form. It is expected that schools and districts will begin using the new forms between fall 2023 and fall 2024.
10/21/2022 View HTML Page  The Department in collaboration with state agencies that provide adult services to individuals with disabilities who reached age 22 between March 10, 2020, and September 1, 2023.
Special Education Updates Archive
graphic of puzzle pieces showing how eight key components all interlock to form complete Components of General Supervision: Fiscal Management, Integrated Monitoring, Sustaining Compliance & Improvement, Implementation of Policies and Procedures, Technical Assistance & Professional Development, Dispute Resolution, Data, and SPP/APR

As the State Educational Agency, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has responsibility for general supervision under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). DESE provides technical assistance and monitors local education agencies’ (LEAs) implementation of IDEA and state special education law. General supervision has eight distinct but interconnected components, creating a cohesive system.

Information from Special Education Leaders Meetings
March 3, 2023 Presentation Recording
The main focus of this meeting was Special Education updates, and a panel presentation Reducing or Eliminating the Use of Time-Out Rooms.
January 20, 2023 Presentation Recording
The main focus of this meeting was Special Education updates, a DESE Problem Resolution System (PRS) presentation and a presentation by Ma Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
November 18, 2022 Presentation Recording
The main focus of this meeting was Special education updates and a presentation by Ma Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
October 21, 2022 Presentation Recording
The main focus of this meeting was Special education updates, Ma Commission for the Blind, AIM Library, and Early Literacy Regulations.
September 16, 2022 Presentation Recording
The main focus of this meeting was Resources to Support Behavioral, Mental Health, and Social-Emotional Wellness; Extended School Year Transportation Guidance; Time-out Room Guidance; Special Education Surrogate Parent Program; Massachusetts Commission for the Blind upcoming events; and Special education updates
Special Education Leaders Past Meetings

Last Updated: March 24, 2023

Featured

COVID-19 Information and Resources for Special Educators

DESE Special Education Updates

Subscribe to DESE's Special Education Updates

Contact Us

Special Education
Phone: 781-338-3375
Fax: 781-338-3371

SEPP Contact Information

Links

Read About IEP Form Improvement Project

A Parent's Guide to Special Education in Massachusetts

Family Information

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

Directions

Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.