Federal Department Of Education Investigates Massachusetts Oversight Of Special Education Services Out-Of-District Private School Placements

The federal Department of Education (ED) is investigating the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) oversight of local school district special education services, particularly for students placed in out-of-district private special education schools. In a letter dated September 29, 2023, the ED Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) informed DESE that it has received complaints from stakeholders alleging that the state has failed to ensure that students with disabilities receive adequate support as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). OSEP asked DESE to provide specific data, documentation, and records related to its special . . .