On February 9, the Center for American Progress submitted a public comment to the U.S. Department of Education opposing its proposed revision to remove the requirement that states report data related to significant disproportionality under IDEA Part B.
The U.S. Department of Education has proposed eliminating the requirement that states report significant disproportionality data in their annual state applications under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This change would weaken transparency, undermine accountability, and diminish the federal government’s ability to enforce IDEA’s equity provisions.
The requirement to report significant disproportionality data, mandated under Section 618(d) of IDEA, 34 CFR 300.646, and 300.647, ensures that states identify and address racial and ethnic disparities in disability identification, educational placement, and discipline. These data trigger mandatory corrective action when disparities are identified, including policy review and the maximum reservation of IDEA funds for early intervention services. CAP’s comment emphasizes that eliminating this reporting requirement would substantially weaken federal oversight and civil rights protections for disabled students, particularly students of color.
CAP urges the department to withdraw the proposed revision and maintain robust federal monitoring to ensure IDEA’s promise of a free appropriate public education is upheld for all students.
Click here to read CAP’s comment letter.