Special Education Policies Under Scrutiny in US, UK, Ireland

States and educators in the U.S., U.K., and Ireland are confronting major policy shifts in special education, with Tennessee considering a rule that would allow schools to place students with disabilities in more restrictive settings before formal assessments, raising concerns among advocates. Maryland has adopted comprehensive recommendations to bolster special education, including enhanced training and recruitment, but faces uncertainty over implementation timelines. Research highlights the persistent underrepresentation of teachers of color in special education, which may negatively affect outcomes for diverse student populations. In the U.K., there is growing advocacy for anti-racist, inclusive leadership and curricula to address systemic failures at the intersection of race and special educational needs. In Ireland, proposed changes to special school classifications have sparked fears among parents and educators that students with mild disabilities may lose access to tailored supports. The debate over equitable, responsive special education continues, as communities and policymakers seek effective solutions amid evolving needs.