UK Education Secretary Faces Resistance Over Special Needs Reform Plans

Governments and educational authorities are actively addressing special education needs through various initiatives and reforms. In the UK, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is preparing a schools white paper proposing changes to the special needs framework, including the education, health and care plans (EHCPs), but these plans have sparked concern and resistance among rights groups and Labour party members due to fears of repeating past reform failures. In the US, Iowa’s Department of Education is seeking public feedback on special education service delivery plans, emphasizing transparency and community involvement in shaping effective educational services for eligible individuals. Meanwhile, institutions like the Government School for Deaf and Blind in Tilaknagar, India, are facilitating access to special education teacher training by extending admission deadlines for specialized courses. Additionally, workshops are being offered to educate families and professionals on developing transition-focused Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), aimed at improving post-school outcomes for students with special needs. These efforts reflect a broader societal commitment to ensuring that children and young people with disabilities receive equitable, high-quality education and support.