SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department’s Office of Special Education announced today the release of the 2024-2027 Special Education State Plan.
The Office of Special Education, led by Dr. Margaret Cage, deputy secretary of special education, developed the State Plan to provide stakeholders with practical, user-friendly resources to support students with disabilities. The plan will be updated annually to ensure it reflects best practices and meets the needs of students and families.
"The State Plan was thoughtfully crafted to align with the Office of Special Education’s core principles,” Deputy Secretary Cage said. “The work of the OSE supports the fundamental belief that every New Mexican, regardless of their abilities, should be valued, respected and provided with resources and opportunities to succeed in life from cradle to career.”
The State Plan outlines the special education referral and identification process, as well as the supports and services that the state and schools are expected to provide to best serve students with special needs and/or developmental delays. The State Plan explains the monitoring and evaluation processes used to drive informed decision-making that leads to improvement at the state and school levels. It also provides information on rights and protections for students with disabilities and their families to ensure students thrive in school from cradle to career.
In addition to the full plan, a four-page brochure and half-page pamphlet provide more concise information to parents and families. These documents will be updated annually.
