Special Education Today newsletter 5(23)

Is anyone interested in an update about what transpired on SET recently?

Maybe I should not ask the question in the subtitle. If no one said “yes,” there would be no reason to post this issue of the newsletter for Special Education Today. I guess I could simply write it anyway, sort of in the mode of self-stimulation…?

Whatever! Here’s the usual drivel (photo, notes, list of posts, and comments) for this edition of the newsletter. It covers the week beginning 1 December 2025.

This is a free post, so please share it with others! It’ll remain on the free side in the archive.

Photo

Some readers of SET will recognize the scene pictured here. I traveled to New York City on a brief family visit.¹

I’ve had such a hitch in my getalong recently that I didn’t tour the gardens. Mostly, I watched people go by, marvel at the magnificent trees that I passed when I walked all of a few 100 meters, and sat (in the chill; just a tad above 0 degrees Celsiu) on metal chairs, and visited with my companions. Lovely.

Status

This week Substack told me that there are > 1050 addresses in the database of people who have subscribed (and another few 100 who follow one or more of SET’s aunhorsed). . The group grew by greater than 10 members during the week covered by this newsletter. Hooray!

Welcome to Emily V., Tim H., Laura M., and Jeremy J., who became supporters this week. They joined Rhonda B., Jim S., Vicki W., Paige P., Joel M.,Michael K., Linda L., Jen W., Fang X., Larry M., Mike N., Nancy C-W., Clay K., Debbie R., Jim P., Tina C., Bob P., Susan S., Bev J., Bear A., Alix H., Angelique W., Anna O., Jean S. Judy V., Christy A., Linda L., Marilyn F., Georgia, George S., Gerry W., Mike C., and many others who kindly support SET, helping make it accessible to the all of us. For these supporters of SET I express my personal appreciation. Thank you.

I also want to express sincere thanks to the Patrons of SET. Li-Yu H., Anita A., Mike G., and Kathy M. all provide support at levels above and beyond the standard levels of assistance. These folks make it possible for SET to help potential readers who might not otherwise know about the community, to cover costs, and to undertake initiatives. They also tolerate me asking them for advice. They deserve many thanks.

Flashes of the old high beams to commenters on recent posts. Ed M., Jane B., and Mike N. who took the time to drop notes this past week. They are providing the content that I hope will eventually engender rich discussions of the goings on around Earth.

Spedlettes this week

Here is the catalog of posts (authors in brackets) from the week that began 1 December 2025.

1. Special Education Today newsletter 5(22): Are you ready for a look at last week’s SET...and at 50 years ago? [JWL]

2. M. Ives-Rublee championed IDEA: Why did this civil rights advocate defend the US special education law? [JWL]

3. Worshiping false goddesses: What sage directions can we find in others’ recent posts? [JWL]

4. Court ruling clarified authority of hearing officers and responsibilities of local education agencies: Why is Prince William County School Board v. Lassiter important? [DB}

5. NPR’s story about IDEA’s 50th anniversary: Are the celebratory chimes one hears actually a death knell? [JWL]

6. Administrative support for EBD services: How about some free articles examining special class services? [JWL]

7. T. Bennett on ‘neurodiversity’: Do his questions raise some discomfort? [JWL]

Comments

This week I want to call readers attention to some sources from parents of students with disabilities. I routinely read posts on these and other sources. The authors of these publications help keep me grounded. I encourage other members of the SET community to review them.

• Apt 11D, A Great Leap, and The Educated Parent by Laura McKenna

• Embracing Another Normal by Kris Burbank

• Finding Cooper’s Voice by Kate Swenson

• Medical Motherhood by Shasta Kearns Moore

There are other sources, to be sure. Please add your favorites to the comments section (or send me a note).

As we continue our sundry efforts to improve special education and support children and youths with disabilities, I hope that we do not forget that we need to keep ourselves informed, healthy, and safe. I hope readers will get lots of rest, take care of themselves and those around them, take inspiration from reports about others’ successes, and remember to teach our children well.

JohnL

John Wills Lloyd, Ph.D.

UVA Professor Emeritus

Founder & Editor, https://www.SpecialEducationToday.com/

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SET should not be confused with a product that uses essentially the same name and is published by the Council for Exceptional Children. SET predated CEC’s publication by decades; I wonder if CEC put “today” in all capitals to distinguish its product from SET. Despite my appreciation for CEC, this product is not designed to promote that organization nor should the views expressed here be considered to represent the views or policies of that organization. A membership in CEC does not get one a subscription to SET and vice versa!

Footnote

1. Sorry. I didn’t plan well enough to visit pals where in the city. It was a brier trip and dedicated almost entirely to family time. Maybe in the future!