Special Education Updates for 2025 – What Education Leaders Need to Know

As we kick off 2025, the landscape of special education continues to evolve, guided by significant legal decisions that shape how schools support students with disabilities. Two areas are particularly noteworthy this year: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Parent Participation. In this blog post, we’ll dive into key 2024 rulings and what they mean for education leaders striving to meet the needs of all students.

FAPE Beyond Traditional Hours: The Case of Osseo Area Schools v. A.J.T.

This case highlights a crucial reminder: FAPE isn’t confined to a standard school schedule.

• Case Summary:
  A.J.T., a student with epilepsy, faced barriers to morning attendance due to frequent seizures. The school district reduced their instructional hours from 4.25 per day to just 3, citing constraints during regular school hours. The 8th Circuit Court ruled this decision denied A.J.T. meaningful progress, affirming the need for compensatory education and rejecting the idea that FAPE is limited to traditional hours.

• Why It Matters:
  The court’s decision emphasizes the importance of tailoring educational plans to individual needs, even if that means offering instruction at unconventional times.

Actionable Insight for Leaders:
Ensure your team understands that IEP accommodations must extend beyond logistical norms if necessary. Regularly review schedules and services to guarantee students have meaningful access to education.

Balancing Parent Input: Kass v. W. Dubuque Community School District

Fostering meaningful collaboration with families is critical—but this case shows it must be balanced with educational best practices.

• Case Summary:
  A student with an IEP had met credit requirements to graduate, but unmet transitional goals warranted extended education. The family objected to the proposed IEP, citing insufficient parental influence. The 8th Circuit affirmed that schools must consider and address parents' preferences but are not obligated to adopt them.

• Why It Matters:
  This case clarifies that schools have the authority to make decisions based on a student’s best interests, provided they genuinely consider and respond to parental input. Additionally, the court noted that compensatory education may extend beyond age 21 in certain cases.

Actionable Insight for Leaders:
Build trust with parents through open communication and transparent decision-making. Establish clear documentation of how parental input is considered in the IEP process.

What These Rulings Mean for 2025

For education leaders, these cases serve as reminders of the critical balance between innovation, collaboration, and compliance. Here’s how you can respond:

1. Think Outside the Box: FAPE accommodations may require flexible schedules or creative solutions—don’t shy away from exploring new approaches.

2. Foster Transparent Collaboration: Engage parents meaningfully in IEP discussions while maintaining a student-centered approach.

Stay Informed: Provide ongoing training for your staff to ensure your team understands and implements legal precedents effectively.

Final Thoughts

2025 presents an opportunity to lead with both empathy and expertise. By staying informed on special education updates and proactively addressing challenges, you can ensure your district remains a place where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

For more insights and resources, reach out to Ascend Krystal Clear ECG or explore our professional development opportunities. Together, we can navigate the complexities of special education and make a lasting impact.

Join us on June 12, 2025, for the free webinar “Becoming SpEd Aware: Your Path to Transformational Leadership”.

This webinar will help you:
✅ Master the essentials of SpEd leadership.
✅ Build school-wide systems for collaboration.
✅ Gain the confidence to navigate SpEd challenges effectively.

📅 When: February 20, 2025 | 6:30–7:30 PM CST
📍 Where: Online

👉 Register for the Webinar Today 

Your leadership transformation starts here.

Best, 

Ascendra Donald & LaKrystal McKnight, Co-Founders