The U.S. Department of Education makes sure federal education laws are followed. It allocates funds to help schools provide special education programs. And it ensures that schools follow rules that protect students’ rights and give all students a fair chance at learning. 

Find out how federal funding supports special education programs. And learn what to do if your child’s school isn’t providing support.

Related resources

• What does the Department of Education do for special education?
• The teacher isn’t following my child’s IEP. What can I do?
• What to include in a state complaint for IEP dispute resolution

Timestamps

(00:53) What the department does not do for special education

(2:47) How the department oversees special education

(06:23) How the department protects students’ rights 

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. 

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