Massachusetts has failed to ensure local school districts are providing special education students with the services and protections they are entitled to under federal law, the US Department of Education has concluded in a long-awaited review.

In a report made public Tuesday night, the Department’s Office of Special Education Programs identified 10 ways the state Education Department is not complying with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the federal law guaranteeing disabled students the right to a free and appropriate public education. Those range in scope from parents not being told the full extent of their rights to students languishing for months without needed support.

by Mandy McLaren, Boston Globe Article from 2/13/25

From Special Ed to a Full College Scholarship! 🎓

I met David at 3 years old—bright, talented, and full of potential. But because he was on the autism spectrum, he was placed in a separate classroom. We fought for full inclusion, and once there, he thrived.

🏈 Football team manager
📚 Honor Roll student
🎶 Gifted musician
👑 Homecoming runner-up

Yesterday, he texted me: "Guess what? I got a merit scholarship and full tuition to my dream college."

This is why I do what I do. Inclusion works. Keep fighting for your child—it’s worth it. 💙

#InclusionMatters #SpecialEducation #NeverGiveUp #SuccessStories #IEPAdvocacy