HOT TOPICS: Show Me Special Education with Mark Wheatley, DESE

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Our guest today is Mark Wheatley, Assistant Commissioner of Special Education at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Mark began his career as a physical education teacher and elementary principal before transitioning into special education, where he served as an adaptive PE teacher and administrator in Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. He brings a systems-level perspective shaped by both classroom and statewide leadership experience. In this conversation, we explore how special education policy translates into practice, what current federal conversations mean (and don’t mean) for Missouri, and how the state is rethinking long-standing systems to better support students with disabilities—particularly through a shift toward more inclusive practices. Takeaways: • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) continues to anchor special education services, guaranteeing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. • Federal changes may create uncertainty, but state responsibilities and expectations for serving students remain consistent. • Inclusion requires more than placement—it depends on strong collaboration between general and special educators. • Missouri’s “MSSD Reimagined” effort reflects a broader shift away from separate settings toward more inclusive, community-based education. • Decisions about services and placement are made by IEP teams, with families playing a central role. • Clear communication and accessible information are critical for helping families navigate complex systems and ongoing changes Resources in this episode: • Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Website: https://dese.mo.gov/ • For more information on the IDEA: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ • For more information on Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD): https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled Acronym Guide: LEA: Local Education Agency IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ESN: Extensive Support Needs MSSD: Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Interview Transcript: ihd.umkc.edu/products For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

HOT TOPICS: Federal Changes to Special Education with Robyn Linscott, The Arc of the US

In this conversation, we speak with Robyn Linscott, Director of Education & Family Policy at The Arc of the United States. Drawing on her experience as a special education teacher, Capitol Hill staffer, and advocate, Robyn offers a national perspective on how federal policy shapes special education across the country. She explains the role of the federal government in funding, enforcement, and oversight through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and breaks down what recent federal changes—particularly within the U.S. Department of Education—could mean for students with disabilities, families, and educators. The conversation explores the disconnect between policy and classroom realities, the strain on school systems due to chronic underfunding, and the uncertainty created by shifting federal priorities. Robyn emphasizes the importance of maintaining federal protections while encouraging advocacy at every level to ensure students with disabilities continue to receive the supports they need. Takeaways: * The federal government’s role in special education centers on funding, enforcement, and oversight—not day-to-day school operations. * IDEA guarantees students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education, but it has never been fully funded as originally intended. * Underfunding creates significant pressure on school districts, educators, and service providers. * There is often a disconnect between policymakers and classroom realities, highlighting the need for lived experience in policy spaces. * Changes within the U.S. Department of Education—especially around staffing and enforcement—can create uncertainty and instability at the local level. * Enforcement mechanisms, like federal oversight and the Office for Civil Rights, are critical for protecting student rights. * School systems are often forced to meet minimum legal requirements rather than optimal supports due to limited resources. * Advocacy at all levels—from federal policy to local school boards—plays a key role in protecting and strengthening special education systems. Resources in this episode: * The Arc of the United States: https://thearc.org/ * The Arc Advocacy Center (Take Action): https://thearc.org/take-action/ * IDEA Overview: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ * OSEP State Determinations: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/spp-apr/ Acronym Guide: UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IEP: Individualized Education Program OSEP: Office of Special Education Programs OCR: Office for Civil Rights Interview Transcript: ihd.umkc.edu/products For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

6 de may de 202656 min

HOT TOPICS: Show Me Special Education with Mark Wheatley, DESE

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