Presented by National Association of State Directors of Special Education and Sligo Law Group, PLLC

With the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act turning 50, states find themselves at a pivotal moment. Long-standing statutory frameworks remain in place, but shifting federal priorities, funding mechanisms, and oversight practices are reshaping how the IDEA is implemented, financed, and enforced.

This webinar will provide a grounded, practical overview of the IDEA’s framework, focusing on state-level expectations, responsibilities, and areas of discretion, before turning to federal developments that are redefining the landscape. Participants will receive timely updates on federal appropriations, interagency agreements, and emerging policy signals that affect programmatic and fiscal decision-making.

We will also explore critical fiscal considerations for states, including changes to funding streams, strategies for protecting IDEA funds, compliance and audit risk, and the transition to new or evolving federal grants systems. Speakers will highlight common pitfalls, enforcement trends, and lessons learned from recent federal and state activity. The session will conclude with concrete best practices and actionable take-aways to help states strengthen compliance, safeguard funding, and position themselves for the next era of federal special education policy.

Slides and supporting materials will be shared after the webinar.

Speakers:

• Audrey Levorse, Deputy Executive Director, NASDSE

• Becca Walawender, Senior Advisor, Sligo Law Group

• Chris Brown, CFO for the Arizona Department of Education

• Emily Merolli, Partner, Sligo Law Group

• Marcus Hedrick, Of Counsel, Sligo Law Group

This event is free, but registration is required.