Janice Metz of FIU Embrace briefed the advisory board on a three‑year postsecondary program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and announced a two‑day disability conference Sept. 21–22 at FIU’s main campus; applications are open and the program is accepting nontraditional older cohorts in January.

After a presentation on a four‑phase DEI consultant engagement, the CalPERS Board authorized a three‑year work plan (leadership interviews, program review/assessment, action plan and implementation support) and agreed on reporting cadence and oversight steps.

Legislators discuss impacts of bill removing mandatory diversity statements in higher education.

Parents and disability advocates told the Joint Committee on Education that House 514 and Senate 418 should require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to update teacher licensure standards and re-licensure to ensure educators can include students who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

District implements coordinated 504 plans and expands whole student reviews for better support.

Committee members discuss inconsistencies in bias categories and seek to standardize references.

FCPS implements mandatory training for staff on twice exceptional student needs and resources.

All elementary schools to implement a new 60-minute hybrid learning model this year.

Consultants presented a comprehensive special-education program review to the board, highlighting strengths (high inclusion rates, low out-of-district placements, staffing within norms) and recommending clearer eligibility/exit guidelines, expanded integrated co-teaching, MTSS work, and transition teams. Consultants also reported a Medicaid billing

Board evaluates IEP guidance and placement options for students with hearing and vision loss.