Special Education

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Office of Special Education - Our Purpose

To lead the improvement of outcomes for preparing all children and students with disabilities and their families for learning, earning, and living through effective use of data, collaboration, communication, and a framework of differentiated support.

2025 NDE Admin Day's "Literacy for Success"
Commissioner's Message & OSE Team Presentations

Photo of NDE Commissioner Maher and his 2025 Admin Day's message to attendees. The full message is shared along with the photo
Photo of NDE Commissioner Maher and his 2025 Admin Day's message to attendees. The full message is shared along with the photo

Welcome to NDE Day at Administrators’ Days 2025! We’re thrilled to have you join us as we explore the vital role of literacy plays in shaping a brighter future for our children and our communities. We are building upon the foundation we started last year and want to carry the momentum through this year.

Our theme, Literacy for Success, underscores a fundamental belief: the ability to read, write, and comprehend is the cornerstone of all achievement. It’s the key that unlocks potential, fosters critical thinking, and empowers individuals to navigate an ever-changing world. Our collective goal is simple yet profound: we want every child to read better tomorrow than they do today. This isn’t just an aspiration; it’s a call to action.

We are deeply committed to this mission. We’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of literacy through initiatives like the Literacy Project, where work is being done to make significant strides in improving reading outcomes. Furthermore, our investment through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing resources and support for high-quality literacy instruction across our schools. These projects are not just programs; they are pillars of our strategy to ensure every child has the opportunity to become a proficient and confident reader.

Throughout this conference, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, participate in insightful sessions, and connect with peers who share your passion for literacy.  We encourage you to share your experiences, learn from others, and leave here equipped with new strategies and renewed inspiration to make a tangible difference in the lives of the children you serve.

Thank you for being a part of this important conversation. Together, we can ensure that literacy truly becomes the foundation for success for every child.

Enjoy the conference!

OSE Team's 2025 NDE Day Presentations

Missed the OSE team’s presentations during the NDE Day portion of Admin Days? You may now view the full slide decks! The slides cover key updates, insights, and initiatives shared during each session. Whether you want a refresher or are catching up, check out the various OSE-related presentations to stay informed.

"How I knew this was the state to show what inclusion can do" - Hechinger Report Article 1

Photo linking to the article 'How I knew this was the state to show what inclusion can do' from The Hechinger Report, highlighting Nebraska’s innovative approach to special education.

"This state is rethinking how we teach kids with disabilities - and seeing promising results" - Hechinger Report Article 2

Photo linking to the article 'This state is rethinking how we teach kids with disabilities – and seeing promising results' from The Hechinger Report, featuring Nebraska’s innovative special education strategies.

Nebraska made national news recently when The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on innovation in education.  You may read two of the articles from the report by selecting the images above to access the corresponding articles.  We encourage you to take a closer look at what is happening in Nebraska, as we are rethinking the traditional approach to special education and seeing promising, measurable results.

Nebraska finished off #InclusiveSchoolsWeek strong with a highlight video of the work happening in one of the pilot schools. Watch our video and stay tuned as our Journey has just begun!!

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) in partnership with Hanover Research (Hanover) presents this infographic overviewing the best practices for co-teaching, including what it is and what it is not, and provides guidance on how it should be implemented and monitored for student success.

Recent SPED Updates

Split Funding Clarification Letter

2025-26 Split Funding Letter

Clarification on guidance for 92 NAC 51 – 009.04 and IDEA 60-Day Timeline for School-Age Children

45 school day vs 60-day guidance (PDF)

Guidance on Special Education Certification – April 2019

Guidance on Special Education Certification – Reimbursable under IDEA (PDF)

Eligibility Guidelines

Eligibility Guidelines by Topic

Policies & Procedures Guidance Documents

Policies & Procedures by Topic

Technical Assistance/Guidance Documents

Developing Local Policies & Procedures Required for Implementation of Special Education Part B Regulations in Nebraska’s Public Schools

Eligibility Guidelines

Extended School Year (ESY) Guidance Document – Aug 2018

External District Monitoring Protocol

GMS Flex Funding Application: Preschool and School-Age District Procedures Guidance Document

Guidance on Serving Homeschool, Exempt Students with Disabilities

IEP Facilitation Guide 2020

IEP Special Education Services

Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities (ILCD) Guidance Document – Navigating the T.I.P.

Kindergarten Age Eligible (5-year-old) Preschool IEP and LRE Guidance

Language Assessment Guidance Document

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Guidance Document – Aug 2018

Medicaid in Public Schools (MIPS) Guidance Document

NETA B Preschool Guidance Document

Nebraska Accommodations Guidelines – How to Select, Administer, and Evaluate Accommodations for Instruction of Students with Disabilities (2022)

Nebraska’s Journey to Inclusion – Equity for All Learners: Inclusion at Every-Level Guidance Document

Non-Public Services to Children with Disabilities Enrolled by Their Parents in Non-Public Schools

Paraeducator Guidance Document

Part C Procedural Safeguards – Aug 2018

Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities Guide – January 2020

Policies and Procedures Guidance Documents by Topic

Prior Written Notice Guidance Document

Promoting Supports for Students with Disabilities Specific to Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Shortened Days Guidance Document

State Complaint Guideline

Supporting the Behavioral Needs of Children with Disabilities: Guidance Document

Teaching Students with Specific Learning Disabilities Math

Tips for Working with a Licensed Sign Language Interpreter
 *Webinar with captioning to support the TA Doc on Guidelines for Educational Interpreters.

Transition Planning Guidance Document – May 2022

Questions and Answers on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Evaluations, and Reevaluations – OSEP 2010

Department Information

Public Reporting and Determination Guides

Public Reporting
Part B NeCounts and Determinations


Early Childhood Inter-Agency Coordinating Council

ECICC Biennial Report to the Governor


Guidance from the U.S. Dept. of Education – Office for Civil Rights

Colleague Letter – Resource Guide on Students with ADHD
Know Your Rights – Students with ADHD


Maintenance of Effort

Federal Proposed Regulations on Significant Disproportionality
Federal Study and State Analysis of Disproportionality

Updated October 14, 2025 3:27pm