Council of Administrators of Special Education | CASE

CASE, The Council of Administrators of Special Education, the largest division of the Council for Exceptional Children, is an international nonprofit professional organization providing leadership, advocacy, and professional development to more than 6,000 administrators responsible for the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. CASE was organized in 1951 in New York, NY at the annual CEC Convention.

CASE is on the list of the Top K-12 Conference to Attend in 2025 in this K-12 Dive article. If you want to elevate your professional learning and be part of a community that is the VOICE of special education leaders, get involved with CASE now. 

CASE UPDATES

Press Release: To Honor IDEA's 50th Anniversary, CASE (Council of Administrators of Special Education) and COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) Team Up to Support Children with Disabilities and Educators

On behalf of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), thank you for signing the Shared Principles & Commitment To the Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities with more than 850 individuals and organizations. Together we affirm our shared commitment to ensuring that children and youth with disabilities receive the education and support fundamental to their growth and development. See more CASE and COPAA information. 

This article, Special educators, disability advocates form united front to protect IDEA, was published on November 20, 2025, in K-12Dive related to press release. 

Press Release: CASE Protests Mass Layoffs at U.S. Department of Education

The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) – representing over 6,000 administrators of special education programs in local school districts across the country – is deeply concerned by the continued layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education. In the most recent round of firings this past Friday, the Administration has eliminated all but a few positions in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). This move leaves OSEP seriously under staffed to meet the federal requirements dictated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law under which around 8 million children and youth with disabilities receive services and supports. 

View the Full Press Release Here

Mindfulness Blog

CASE has a new blog and it's created specifically for your wellbeing. Check it out here! This first blog post "Burning Out and Finding Balance" written by Chance Copeland is a must read! Our own Dr. Zabrina Cannady, CASE Director of Professional Learning, has created the first CASE Vlog for you to view, with a focus on Burnout and Balance to support each leader in special education. It is worth the view!

CASE News

New Resource Alert! 

CASE has Laminated Guides to support the legal needs for every team member

Choose from 3 Options, Plus a Bundle Pack

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Discipline of Students with Disabilities
• Developing Defensible IEPs
• Bundle Pack with all 3 Laminated Guides

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Advancing the field of special education through the delivery of highly effective professional learning opportunities is a pillar of the CASE's mission. The CASE is dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning that is relevant and important to the field of special education, designed to provide world-class learning and networking to strengthen and grow the field of special education leadership. 

Nov 11 —			New Directors' Network The New Directors' Network is a dynamic support series designed specifically for new professionals in special education leadership. These one-hour virtual sessions, held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (Central Time) on select dates, provide an opportunity to... View Event
Nov 13 — (19 & Dec 10)			Discipline Under IDEA: A Deeper Dive Series  Join CASE and Julie Weatherly, Esq. for an essential four-part professional learning series designed to deepen your understanding of student discipline under IDEA and Section 504. Gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate complex situations while ensuring compliance and equity in decision-making. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills related to special education discipline. View Event
Nov 18 —			Transformational Leadership for Special Education: Rethinking Delivery Systems: Effective Models of Support How can a comprehensive program evaluation drive data-informed decision-making and systemic improvements? In this session, we will examine the value of a program evaluation process in identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities in special education services. Administrators will learn how to use evaluation data as a launching point for redesigning service delivery, staffing structures, and profession development priorities to enhance student outcomes.  View Event
Dec 2 —			Great Instruction Great Achievement Great Leadership: Effective Instructional Practices for ALL Students It is easy for our jobs to be consumed with compliance and regulatory activities regarding special education and yet one of our main goals is to increase the academic and overall growth of students with disabilities (and ALL students).  This interactive online webinar series is designed to empower school and district leaders with the tools, strategies, and insights essential for impactful instructional leadership.  View Event
Dec 9 —			Transformational Leadership for Special Education: Beyond Compliance: Evaluating Special Education Assessments as the Cornerstone for Quality & Impact How can a comprehensive program evaluation drive data-informed decision-making and systemic improvements? In this session, we will examine the value of a program evaluation process in identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities in special education services. Administrators will learn how to use evaluation data as a launching point for redesigning service delivery, staffing structures, and profession development priorities to enhance student outcomes.  View Event
Dec 9 —			60 Minutes with Myrna This is a FREE Webinar Series to ensure our members are aware of the current legislative happenings at the federal level. Don't miss these opportunities to engage with other CASE Members in discussions around current issues.  View Event
Dec 11 —			The Weatherly Review Stay Legally Informed All Year Long with the CASE Weatherly Review! Don’t wait for an annual conference to catch up on the latest legal developments—critical court cases and legal updates are happening year-round. Join us each quarter for the CASE Weatherly Review to stay current on emerging legal trends, due process decisions, and compliance issues that impact special education. Stay proactive, stay informed, and stay ahead with expert analysis from Julie Weatherly, Esq! View Event
Dec  15 —			Mindful Matters Being Present is a Gift: How to Give Others Your True Presence As the holidays approach, we often give our time—but not always our presence. Learn how to slow down, center yourself, and truly connect with students, staff, and loved ones in meaningful ways. View Event