A New Era: Revitalizing Special Education for Children and their Families
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President Bush ordered the creation of the 24-member President?s Commission on Excellence in Special Education on Oct. 2, 2001 (Executive Order 13227). The President charged the Commission with studying issues related to federal, state, and local special education programs in order to improve the educational performance of students with disabilities. The Commission held 13 open hearings and meetings across the country. At those meetings and hearings, the members heard from 109 expert witnesses and more than 175 parents, teachers, students with disabilities, and members of the public. Hundreds of other individuals provided the Commission with letters, written statements, and research. The Commission?s effort represents the most expansive review of special education in the 27-year history of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. The Commission submitted the report titled A New Era: Revitalizing Special Education for Children and their Families to The White House on July 1 as required by the Executive Order.