The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) empowers special education teachers, advocates, and professionals with practical training, trusted resources, and meaningful connections - supporting those who make a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs.
Happy Friday! We hope your month of May has a soft landing - here's the news you may have missed!
The Education Department announced plans to cancel some IDEA data collection, drawing pushback from special education and disability groups, while pressure mounts on the department to release withheld federal research funds. California advanced its $2.4 billion special education boost as the governor’s push to change when children are screened for reading difficulties divided experts.
A New York Times investigation found that profit-seeking autism clinics can harm the children they serve, while a new study identified a simple urine test that could one day screen for autism in children. HUD moved to limit assistance animals for disabled tenants, a rural apprenticeship model is offering a fresh approach to the special education teacher shortage and one state’s university system is embracing AI in education as students and faculty weigh in.
More below - read on!
A NASET membership is worth over $1,000!
Looking for access to monthly expert webinars, nearly 80 professional development courses, weekly worksheets and classroom resources, a peer-reviewed academic journal, discounts on state and graduate credit approved certifications AND a supportive special education community? Become a NASET member and join thousands of your peers!
Friends on Giphy
Hello from the NASET Break Room - our quick pulse check on the state of special education based on trending posts and questions we saw online this week.
Last Week:
How do you handle end-of-year celebrations for students who can't participate in traditional ceremonies?
I design something individualized 🎉 (67%)
Has your school ever moved a student into general ed before you felt they were ready?
Yes, and it went badly 😔 (42%)
Do you think your district adequately funds special education?
Not even close 😤 (63%)
Have you ever been used as a general education aide instead of delivering specially designed instruction?
Yes, constantly 😤
It happens but I push back 💪
Occasionally, but it's not the norm 🤷♀️
No, my role is respected ✅
Do you think students in self-contained settings are academically challenged enough?
Honestly, no - expectations are often too low 😔
It depends entirely on the teacher 🎯
Yes, when done right it works well 👍
I've seen it go both ways 🔄
Have students with disabilities at your school ever been excluded from a general school activity or tradition?
Yes, more than once 😳
It's happened but wasn't intentional 😬
Rarely, our school is pretty inclusive ✅
I'm not sure - it may happen without my knowledge 👀
NASET Certifications earn graduate and state continuing education credit: As we add more states and districts to our PD approval list, we’re thrilled to expand our graduate institution relationships and offer additional graduate level credit programs to support the career growth of all certification enrollees!
🎓 Explore Graduate options here!
👉 Learn how NASET fulfills your state PD requirements!
📋 Recently complete a NASET certification or course? Get your CEUs!
🗣️ Did you know: multilingual students with disabilities leave high school with worse employment outcomes, lower post-secondary enrollment rates, and less access to independent living supports than any comparable peer group? Join NYU’s Dr. Audrey Trainor and PhD Candidate, Lindsay Romano on June 15 at 7pm for Lost in Transition, a timely and always relevant conversation on multilingual special education students and transition planning.
👩💻 Register today (Free for NASET Members | $85 for non-members)
🏫 School Awards
Since 2008, NASET has annually recognized qualified licensed private special education schools and charter schools that have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and achievement in the field of special education. We recognized 72 this year 👉 Explore the 2026 Schools of Excellence and Exceptional Charter Schools!
🥳 Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for 2026 Recognition Today!
🏆 Trusted Service Providers
NASET celebrates the organizations and companies that have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to supporting the special education community.
👉 Explore the Inaugural Trusted Service Providers!
From the NASET vault
LD Report: They Sing Their Way to Reading →
👉 Read the May Special Education e-Journal→
NASET Support Squad Downloads of the Week Using Data-Driven Instruction in Special Education and Supporting Students with Anxiety During Academic Tasks Scroll down to instantly download ⬇️
Participate in Research
Seeking school-based staff who work with students who receive special education services under the autism category of IDEA 👉Review details and compensation here →
POLICY & FUNDING DEVELOPMENTS
DISABILITY LAW & ENFORCEMENT
AUTISM
CLASSROOM PRACTICE & WORKFORCE
Looking for a new role? Join the NASET Talent Network!
Your workload, scored in 10 minutes. Free.
PULSE is built for the provider doing the work: special educators, SLPs, OTs, BCBAs, and PTs. Upload your CBA and it calculates your real utilization, not your headcount. The AI builds your full week, and Ollie adjusts it by voice. Send your workload report to your director with one link, no meeting required. Free forever for individual providers. No district approval, no IT request, no credit card.
Shout Out to Last Week’s Winners Who Correctly Answered, “Cedar Rapids Community School District v. Garret F. (1999)” View the winners list here!
This Week's Question:
In ABA, what is the term for a consequence that removes an aversive stimulus and thereby increases the future probability of the target behavior?
Correctly answer 3 or more trivia questions each month to be eligible for a gift card! We had 23 winners in April!
As you look to summer, what resources would you love to have ready for fall? Reply to this email and let us know!
Special ed certifications that actually cover what you do every day.
From IEP writing to classroom management to advocacy - NASET offers certifications designed specifically for special ed. Explore our: Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE), Board Certification in Individualized Education Program (BCIEP), Board Certification for Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE), Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE), Board Certification in Classroom Management (BCCM). Self-paced. 86-118 study hour credits.
Recognized nationwide.
“Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”