Legislation authorized in 2007 and again in 2008 provided for the creation of a Special Education Task Force to compare state and federal special education mandates, and to make recommendations for change. Time constraints prevented the Task Force from submitting specific recommendations; however, the Special Education Statute and Rules Reports (below) provide a valuable summary of the differences between federal and state statutes and rules, and identify specific statutes for legislative review and amendment.
Perhaps the most important narrative thread in the following documents is the significant conflict and dissension. Too often we see reports that paint a rosy picture of something as "fait accompli" (an accomplished fact; a thing already done). Clearly, there is not consensus around the tensions between providing the best possible special education services in the least restrictive environment and the multiple and often conflicting guidance that puts meetings and paperwork ahead of educating students.
Special Education Task Force Report
 February 15, 2008 - Report Transmittal Letter to Education Finance Committee Chairs, Bureau of Mediation Services.
Final Report: Special Education Statutes
Final Report: Special Education Rules
Position Statements - Submitted by Consumer/Advocate Task Force Members
 Addendum Report - Submitted by Task Force Members Representing School Districts
Comments - Submitted by the Minnesota Department of Education
Roster - Special Education Advisory Task Force
Background Information
February 2006 - Review of Education-Related Mandates - Survey of public school superintendents, education leaders, and MDE staff to identify mandates that do not promote public education; includes a section on special education mandates, Minnesota Department of Education.
January 25, 2006 - Federal Reporting Requirements Under IDEA 2004, Section 608 - Memorandum to provide public notice of Minnesota requirements not required by Federal laws, Minnesota Department of Education.
Related Links
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State of Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services