SPEDWatch, Inc.

04/28/2026

New COPAA Report
Special Education Dispute Resolution: A critical IDEA procedural safeguard

03/31/2026

Massachusetts

It is that time of year when DESE seeks public comment to their Annual IDEA Part B Funding application. This is the document in which they give written assurances that they are complying with ALL special education requirements in exchange for federal funding. This document defrauds the federal government. Consider submitting a comment. Deadline: April 20.

03/17/2026

Massachusetts

The Federation for Children with Special Needs is conducting a survey. This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard.
Please consider completing this survey:

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is conducting a needs assessment to better understand how we can support families and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities across Massachusetts. Your feedback will help...

01/13/2026

Letter to the Editor in Boston Globe 01/13/2026
Please add a comment to the letter.

Thousands of Massachusetts parents of schoolchildren with disabilities have been ignored or labeled whiners when they claimed that DESE failed to protect their children’s educational rights.

01/11/2026

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VkEm3tkFSgF8AmAq2AXEEFmYBytuAFHe/view?usp=sharing

12/15/2025

Massachusetts

The DESE Board of Education's Special Education Advisory Committee (aka the 'SAC') has released its Annual Report for the 2024-2025 school year. Once again, in my opinion, they have completely ignored the most pressing issues in our special education system. During the period covered by their report, DESE was cited by OSEP for having no reasonable system in place to ensure that local school districts comply with the law. The MA State Auditor's Office likewise found serious flaws in DESE's systems. The SAC report mentions neither audit.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g6r_Ne9h-6TfGbi4abEPfy9DT8t4JHd7/view?usp=sharing

12/02/2025

BOSTON GLOBE 12/01/2026
Comment:
"Due to the stringent Special Education law, almost all programs for gifted children have been completely cut in this state."

My reply:
You make the assumption that schools in Massachusetts actually comply with special education laws. In fact, they do not. The federal dept of education released an audit in January 2025 confirming this, as did the MA State Auditor's office in a report released in June 2025. And, by the way, there are many students with disabilities who are also gifted.

11/18/2025

Thank you to SPEDWatch member, Joey Ford, for sharing this clip. This is in Attleborough.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1175913820632565

11/16/2025

Massachusetts

I have been doing a major clean out of all the clutter in my home and came across this article about one of SPEDWatch's earliest community meetings. Enjoy!

11/05/2025

Sign the letter at this link.

Actions at the US Dept. of Ed are in conflict with statutory requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other laws. Such changes have not been approved by Congress. We need oversight hearings to protect children now.

11/01/2025

DESE allows districts up to 10 school days to respond to a parent/guardian complaint. They allow the parent/guardian only 5 school days to submit a rebuttal. This is not OK. Every time I file a complaint I tell PRS I will also take up to 10 schooldays to submit my rebuttal. I encourage everyone to do the same. They haven't challenged me yet but if they do....that'll be fun! See attached example at this link.

10/20/2025

SPEDWatch is quoted in this article.