Disabilities


Coalition for Teaching Quality Represents 100+ Local, State and National Groups

The Coalition for Teaching Quality (CTQ) represents a broad cross-section of over 100 local, state, and national organizations representing civil rights, disability, parent, student, community, and education groups. The Rural School and Community Trust has been a member since the coalition’s founding in 2010.


Read about the U.S. Department of Education's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Request

Critical investments in preschool, K-12 and higher education are among the highlights of the Department of Education's 2016 budget request.


Mark Your Calendar: March 4th and March 5th Webinars Focus on Rural Education Issues

The Regional Education Laboratories (REL) are presenting webinars which focus on rural education topics. REL Central will present the March 4 Webinar. REL Southwest will host the March 5 Webinar.


Texas Legislators Grapple with Fixing the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Senate committees in Texas heard testimony in a day-long hearing on high rates, discriminatory trends of school discipline in the state.


Kentucky School Board Approves Limits on Use of Seclusion and Restraint

The Kentucky State School Board has approved a policy that restricts the use of seclusion and restraints unless there is immediate risk of harm.
Date: October 29, 2012
Related Categories: In Local News, Rural Policy Matters
Related Tags: Disabilities, Discipline


Meridian Mississippi Officials Sued by Department of Justice for Operating "School to Prison Pipeline"

After an extensive investigation revealing a number of illegal practices, DOJ has brought suit against several agencies to force reform.
Date: October 29, 2012
Related Categories: In Local News, Rural Policy Matters
Related Tags: Disabilities, Discipline


DOJ Investigation Finds Mississippi County Court, Police Department and Youth Services Operating School-to-Prison Pipeline

The U.S. Department of Justice has accused agencies in Lauderdale County and Meridian City, Mississippi of violating the constitutional rights of children by arresting and incarcerating them, without due process, often for minor school infractions.
Date: August 28, 2012
Related Categories: In Local News, Rural Policy Matters
Related Tags: African-American students, Disabilities, Discipline


School Discipline Update: Arkansas Considers Changes to Education Programs in Youth Lockups

Arkansas lawmakers contemplate giving authority for education in juvenile justice centers to local school districts.


Groundbreaking Texas Report Finds Harsh Discipline Is the Rule, Not the Exception

A study that tracked over a million Texas students found that almost 60% were expelled or suspended at least once in grades seven to twelve. Students with disabilities and African-American males received the highest rates of harsh punishment.
Date: July 29, 2011
Related Categories: In Local News, Rural Policy Matters
Related Tags: Disabilities, Discipline


School Discipline: An Occasional Series on Developments in School Disciplinary Policies and Practices

New rules in Iowa limit the use of physical restraints and seclusion for students with disabilities. But some violations have surfaced....


North Carolina District Takes Steps to End Zero Tolerance

North Carolina district backs away from controversial discipline policy…


Delaware Raises Minimum Reporting Age

Delaware requires schools to report to law enforcement certain student behaviors. But a new law gives schools more reporting leeway for children nine to eleven years old.


Connecticut Reduces Suspension Rate

Publicity along with a new law limiting when students can be put out of school is credited with reducing the state’s high suspension rate.


Georgia Restricts Disciplinary Restraints

Georgia’s state school board has banned schools from using certain kinds of physical restraints as disciplinary measures.


Washington Lawsuit Moves Forward

A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of special education funding moves forward in Washington.
Date: July 23, 2010
Related Categories: In Local News, Rural Policy Matters
Related Tags: Disabilities, Rural School Funding News, School Finance/Funding