The Connecticut State Board of Education believes that all students, including students with exceptionalities, are unique and influenced by cultural, linguistic, intellectual, psychological, health and economic factors. (Excerpt from the State Board of Education's Position Statement on the Education of Students with Exceptionalities)
Most Recent Announcements and Postings
New Draft Autism Eligibility Worksheet:
In an effort to keep current with new changes in legislation, research, and best practice, the CSDE revised the previous Guidelines for Identification and Education of Children and Youth with Autism. The process occurred in two (2) phases: a needs assessment phase and a revision phase and resulted in an updated draft worksheet for determining special education eligibility under the classification of Autism and accompanying guidelines to complete the worksheet. Once published, the new document will supersede the previous version.
The New Draft Autism Eligibility Worksheet is being posted solely for public review/feedback purposes. We are gathering input to ensure this document is clear, accurate, and ready to be disseminated. If you are interested in providing feedback, please review the New Draft Autism Eligibility Worksheet and complete a brief Autism Eligibility Worksheet survey. The survey will remain open from 10/30/25 through 11/30/25.
Additional updates
- Legislative Update Public Act (PA) 25-67 – Mandate prior to placing a student in an out of district placement due to challenging behaviors (September 18, 2025)
- Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) Admissions Process – June 13, 2025 Memorandum to Directors of Special Education and Pupil Services
- NEW - BCBAs in Schools: Guidelines and Professional Standards for Connecticut
- CSDE Memorandum: Updated Guidance Regarding Public Act 23-137 Extending IDEA Eligibility Through the End of the School Year during which a Student Turns Age 22 (November 16, 2023)
- Connecticut’s Assistive Technology Resource Hub: EASIERwithAT.org - The Connecticut State Department of Education, in collaboration with RESC Alliance, State Education Resource Center (SERC), and New England Assistive Technology (NEAT), has developed an assistive technology (AT) resource website for Educators, Families, and Students with Disabilities. Visit the website to find information and learn about free AT resources, Connecticut’s lending libraries, and tools to support education teams.
- Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA - The U.S. Department of Education released guidance in support of students with disabilities who may require assistive technology (AT) devices and services. The Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Educational Technology (OET) provided the guidance “to increase understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA’s) requirements regarding AT devices and services, and dispel common misconceptions regarding AT, while also providing examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities,” according to a Dear Colleague Letter accompanying the AT guidance.
- CSDE Memorandum: Public Act 23-137 Extends IDEA Eligibility through the End of the School Year during which a Student Turns Age 22 (July 14, 2023)
- New - Bureau Bulletin (May 24, 2023)
- Connecticut IEP Manual (2022)
- Updated Guidance Regarding IDEA Eligibility Until Age 22 (A.R. v. CT State Board of Education)
- Updated Guidance Regarding IDEA Eligibility Extended Until Age 22 (July 24, 2020)
- CSDE Memorandum: IDEA Eligibility Extended until Age 22 (June 19, 2020)
- United States District Court for Connecticut Summary of Judgment
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Resources
- Specific Learning Disability and SLD/Dyslexia Resources
- Student Assessment Update to Special Education Directors - Guidelines and Resources
To Contact the Bureau of Special Education
Connecticut State Department of Education
Bureau of Special Education
P.O. Box 2219
Hartford, CT 06145-2219
(860) 713-6910, Fax (860) 713-7051