Department of Education Sends Letter to State Directors of Special Education About Highly Mobile Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 15, 2022) – The Department of Education released a letter to State Directors of Special Education addressing high-quality education for highly mobile children, Nov. 10.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Deputy Assistant Secretary Katy Neas and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Director Valerie C. Williams emphasized the need for states, school districts, school staff, and families to help ensure the rights of highly mobile children with disabilities.

According to the letter, highly mobile children include, “children and youth experiencing frequent moves into new school districts, such as military-connected children, migratory children, children who are homeless, and children in the foster care system.”

“Ensuring a high-quality education for highly mobile children is a critical responsibility for all of us,” wrote Neas and Williams. “While these children often possess remarkable resilience, they also experience formidable challenges as they cope with frequent educational transitions.”

The letter includes a list of resources that provides guidance and describes principles that people working with students with disabilities may find helpful. It also addresses requirements and analysis of topics frequently associated with highly mobile children.

Last modified on November 15, 2022