Collett Quits

In The Politics of Autism, I write about special education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Evie Blad at Education Week:

The U.S. Department of Education's top official in charge of special education services is leaving his post, Secretary Betsy DeVos announced Wednesday.

Johnny Collett, assistant secretary for the office of special education and rehabilitative services, has served in the Trump administration for nearly two years. Mark Schultz, who has been commissioner of the rehabilitation services administration, will take on Collett's duties, an Education Department spokesperson said. The position requires Senate confirmation.

The office for special education and rehabilitation services oversees programs and policies that support people with disabilities, including transitions to adulthood.

Collett, who is respected in the special education community, previously served as special education director for Kentucky and as the director of special education outcomes for the Council of Chief State School Officers. He also served on the board of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education.

Michelle Diament at Disability Scoop:

 Angela Morabito, an Education Department spokeswoman, said Collett is leaving Washington to spend more time with his family.

Collett Confirmed

In The Politics of Autism, I write about special education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

At Education Week, Christina Samuels reports that the Senate confirmed Johnny Collett as assistant secretary of education for special education and rehabilitation services.

Students in special education who accept vouchers to attend private school lose the individual protections granted under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Democrats have argued that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' support of such vouchers will ultimately end up causing harm to these students. Collett said during his hearing that he would work with the secretary and others to respond to a recommendation from the Government Accountability Office that parents be provided accurate information about the impact of accepting a voucher.