Federal Special Education Staff to Return to Work, But Uncertainty Remains

Breaking News: Federal Special Education Staff May Get Jobs Back, But for How Long? A deal reached by Congress to re-open the federal government requires the reinstatement of federal workers, including those overseeing the nation's special education laws, who were fired in October. The Office for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) inside the U.S. Department of Education, responsible for programs supporting students with disabilities, lost 121 of its 135 employees in the reduction-in-force. Those workers will be returned to "employment status" as of September 30, according to a new Education Department filing. The agreement, reached on Wednesday, will see the reinstatement of the fired employees, but it is unclear how long they will remain in their positions. The Education Department filing indicates that the office cannot function without staff, and the loss of 121 employees has significant implications for state compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The immediate impact of the reinstatement is expected to be felt in the coming days, as the returned employees begin to resume their duties. The Education Department has not yet commented on the specifics of the reinstatement process or the timeline for the return of the fired employees. The Office for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services plays a crucial role in supporting students with disabilities, providing guidance to families and overseeing state compliance with federal laws. The loss of staff in October raised concerns about the office's ability to perform its duties effectively. As the reinstatement of the fired employees takes place, questions remain about the long-term stability of the office and the impact of the reduction-in-force on the nation's special education programs. The Education Department has not yet announced any plans to replace the lost staff or to address the underlying issues that led to the reduction-in-force.