Update: Federal Special Education Developments and Washington’s Continued Commitment
Many families and education partners have reached out with concerns regarding reports of layoffs within the U.S. Department of Education, including the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Washington state maintains strong protections for students with disabilities, and special education services in Washington are continuing without interruption. OSPI’s Special Education division remains fully operational. We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to share updates as more details become available. Please contact speced@k12.wa.us with questions.
For more information, please review the following resources:
SAO Report on Special Education Prevalence and Funding
On October 21st, the Office of the Washington State Auditor (SAO) released a performance audit report that estimates the prevalence of disabilities in student populations in the state and compares that need to the funding available to identify and serve special education students. This legislatively-mandated audit also tasked auditors with determining whether any populations were under evaluated or underserved in special education.
Using a new statistical model developed for this review, auditors found Washington identified close to its expected number of special education students, relative to the special education rates of other states.
OSPI agrees with the findings and recommendations and welcomes the opportunity to strengthen Washington’s systems for identifying, evaluating, and serving students with disabilities.
We are especially grateful to our local education agencies (LEAs) for their ongoing commitment to child find. Every day, school districts and their staff fulfill the important responsibility of identifying children who may need special education, regardless of where they live, whether they attend public or private schools, or whether they are highly mobile, homeless, or in foster care. We recognize the significant effort this requires—balancing statutory timelines, engaging families, coordinating across multiple providers, and navigating limited resources. The dedication of our LEAs ensures students who need support are not overlooked, and their work reflects the values of equity, belonging, and access that guide Washington’s education system.
The full report and summary materials are available at the State Auditor’s Office website.
Statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) Update
OSPI is moving forward with the development of a statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) system. This work is designed to create a unified, student-centered, and results-driven platform that:
- Ensures meaningful access to grade-level standards;
- Strengthens instructional practices;
- Improves compliance with federal and state requirements; and
- Increases family transparency and engagement.
The statewide IEP system also supports Washington’s broader educational priorities, including the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN), whole child education, Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and data-driven continuous improvement.
Stay connected with this project by visiting the Washington’s Statewide IEP Project webpage which will be updated over time. If you have questions or would like to connect about the statewide IEP system, please reach out at statewideIEP@k12.wa.us.
New Grant Opportunity for Districts: Voluntary CEIS State Match (FP 167) Now Open in EGMS
A new competitive grant opportunity is now open in the EGMS system under Form Package (FP) 167. This grant provides matching state funds to support districts in implementing Voluntary Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Voluntary CEIS allows districts to use up to 15% of their IDEA Part B funds to provide early intervening services for students in kindergarten through grade 12 (excluding preschool) who are not currently identified for or receiving special education services. Districts may engage in Voluntary CEIS at any time by submitting plans through FP 267 – Special Education: IDEA Part B. FP 167 specifically offers a state funding match for approved activities designed to improve educational outcomes for students. This comprehensive Q&A is included in the grant directions to support applicants. For questions, please contact Cassie Martin, Executive Director of Special Education, at cassie.martin@k12.wa.us.
Update: Transitioning to a New Model for SLD Eligibility by 2028–29
By the 2028–29 school year, Washington will no longer use the severe discrepancy model to determine eligibility for a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). All districts will instead use an instructional, data-based approach that identifies learning needs earlier to support students.
This shift moves us toward decisions grounded in classroom learning and progress monitoring -- ensuring students receive help when they need it most.
OSPI will continue providing updated guidance, tools, and professional learning throughout the transition, with regular updates shared in our monthly update.
Learn more: Check out the two-pager on Special Education Eligibility Changes in Washington State by 2028–29. Questions? Contact speced@k12.wa.us.
Notice of Rulemaking Activity: CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry
The OSPI Special Education Division filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry on October 14, 2025. The CR-101 is the first step in the rulemaking process. The OSPI Special Education Division is considering changes to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 392-172A and Sections 392-140-600 through 392-140-685 concerning special education services to students and safety net funding. Please review the CR-101 for specific changes under consideration.
Any feedback and/or recommendations concerning potential new or amended rules, and consideration of comments and recommendations in the course of drafting rule language, can be sent either directly to Scott Raub, Assistant Director, Special Education Policy and Community Engagement, or to speced@k12.wa.us with the subject line “Attn: Rulemaking.” The next steps in the rulemaking process will be publicized in future monthly updates and also available on the OSPI Rulemaking Activity webpage.
Click here for this month’s Program Improvement updates on the following topics:
- Annual IDEA Determinations – Issued October 31st
- OSPI Special Education Data, Fiscal, and Program Office Hours
Click here for this month’s ECSE updates on the following topics:
- Dare to Lead for State Leadership Teams
Click here for this month’s Fiscal & Data updates on the following topics:
- Special Education Personnel Employed and Contracted Data Collection
- Special Education November Federal Child Count Data Reporting
- Secondary IEP Transition Components (Indicator B-13) Data Application (Newly Updated Resources)
- Special Education Data, Fiscal, and Program Improvement Office Hours
Click here for this month’s Dispute Resolution updates on:
- Dispute Resolution Resources for Districts
- Welcoming Sound Options Cadre as Our New Mediation Provider
The Special Education Division receives many calls from parents and districts with questions about special education records. In this month's tip, learn more about educational records, what they are and what rights parents and districts have regarding access to those records.
Tip of the Month!
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