By Trish Nellius, Executive Director
As backpacks are packed and classrooms fill again, families of children with disabilities begin the school year with hope and important questions: Will my child be understood? Will the right support be in place? Will our school recognize my child’s strengths?
This school year begins at an important moment for special education across the Commonwealth. Nearly 193,000 Massachusetts public school students ages 3–21, about one in five students, have IEPs.
Massachusetts is experiencing the highest special education enrollment in its history, driven by rising identification, more complex needs, and declining general enrollment. That growth reflects the scale of our shared responsibility and the need for schools, families, and communities to work together so every student can participate, learn, and belong.
IDEA continues to guarantee eligible children a free appropriate public education and the services they need. In June 2026, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual state determinations again emphasized that compliance must translate into meaningful student outcomes.
"Families are essential members of the educational team, not visitors to it."
As federal responsibilities evolve under the new structure, families will need clear communication about what is changing, what is not, and how any changes may affect their children. Whatever administrative structure is in place, students’ rights under IDEA, the need for timely services, and the importance of coordinated support across education, health, and workforce systems must remain at the center. FCSN is committed to monitoring these changes to help ensure children and families receive the rights and services guaranteed under the law.
Families and educators still face uneven implementation, staffing shortages, service delays, and gaps between the promise and practice of inclusion. Federal guidance highlights inclusive practices, staff retention, thoughtful behavioral support, and coordinated transition planning: priorities that depend on skilled teams, high expectations, accessible instruction, and strong family partnerships.
Families are essential members of the educational team, not visitors to it. Their knowledge of their children matters, and educators need preparation, resources, and partnership to carry out individualized plans effectively. Consistent, student-centered communication helps teams solve problems sooner, celebrate progress, and build lasting trust.
FCSN is committed to helping families understand their rights, prepare for meetings, find resources, and advocate effectively. We champion a system where inclusion is meaningful, services are timely, transitions are planned, and every child’s strength and potential are central to their educational experience.
As the school year begins, let us hold to a simple standard: every student deserves high expectations, genuine belonging, and the support to make progress. To our students, families, educators, and partners: welcome back. Together, we are ready to learn, advocate, and move forward.
In partnership,
Patricia Nellius
Executive Director