Skip to Content

Secretary DeVos Rejects Extensive Waivers to Special Education Requirements, Leaving Core of IDEA Intact

Coronavirus K-12 Education

Originally posted on our Special Education Law Insights Blog.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, no formal flexibility has been granted to schools to deviate from State and federal special education requirements. However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) gave the U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos the power to appeal to Congress if she believes that waivers should be made to provide flexibility regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Earlier this week, Secretary DeVos made her recommendations to Congress, declining to seek significant flexibility for IDEA provisions. Secretary DeVos only requested limited waivers related to pre-k evaluations.

Read more on our Special Education Law Insights Blog