Thousands of Special Education Cases Were Dismissed—Here’s How to Protect Yourself and Your Child

If you think the Department of Education is watching to make sure schools follow special education laws, think again. The very agency responsible for protecting students with disabilities has been gutted, leaving families with fewer options when schools fail to provide services.

The hard truth? Schools have records of everything. Parents need their own. And when push comes to shove, the side with better documentation almost always wins.

The latest news? The Trump administration has slashed the Department of Education’s workforce by half—about 2,200 employees—including a significant part of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which investigates discrimination and special education violations. This means fewer investigations, more dismissed complaints, and even longer waits for families seeking help. (NPR) Additionally, a recent investigation found that under the current administration, the OCR has quietly dismissed thousands of disability rights cases. (AP News) It is reasonable to assume that the court system may become the most efficient option for families making civil rights complaints.

A spiral notebook with "Document" written 3 times in pink text and checkmarks next to each. A pencil lies on the page; a wooden background is visible.

So, what does that mean for families? It means parents have to be their child’s strongest advocate. The best way to do that? Document everything. If the system isn’t built to hold schools accountable, your records might be the only thing that does.

What to Document (Hint: Everything)

When it comes to special education, assume that if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen. Schools operate this way, and parents need to do the same.

1. IEPs and 504 Plans

• Keep copies of every finalized document.

• Compare new versions with old ones—sometimes changes happen without anyone telling you.

2. Communication with the School

• Save every email. If it’s verbal, summarize it in an email and send it as confirmation.

• Keep a log of phone calls and in-person conversations, including the date, time, and key takeaways.

• If the school promises something, ask for it in writing. If they refuse, document that, too.

3. Meeting Notes and Decisions

• Write down what was said, who said it, and what was decided.

• If there’s disagreement later, your notes could be the difference between action and inaction.

• Some parents even record meetings (check your state’s laws first).

4. Evaluations and Progress Reports

• Hold onto all assessment results, report cards, and progress notes.

• If your child isn’t making progress, this data will help you prove it.

5. Missed Services and Denials

• Track every time a service (speech, OT, PT, etc.) is canceled or not provided.

• If a service request is denied, ask for a written explanation (this is called Prior Written Notice).

Why Documentation is Your Best Weapon

Most parents don’t realize this until they’re in a tough situation, but documentation is power. It helps you:

• Hold the school accountable – If services aren’t being provided, records prove it.

• Strengthen your advocacy – You don’t have to rely on memory when you have written proof.

• Protect your child’s rights – If legal action becomes necessary, documentation is your best evidence.

The hard truth? Schools have records of everything. Parents need their own. And when push comes to shove, the side with better documentation almost always wins.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Start a binder or digital folder today. Whether it’s a physical binder or a digital folder on your computer, having everything in one place makes a huge difference.

• Use Highlighter to make it easy. Our app helps you upload, organize, and track everything—IEPs, evaluations, meeting notes, and even communication with the school. Highlighter can help you spot patterns, identify missing services, and stay on top of deadlines so nothing falls through the cracks.

• If you haven’t been documenting, start now. Even writing down past events from memory is better than nothing. Don’t worry about perfection—just get started.

• Teach other parents. Most families don’t realize how critical this is until it’s too late. Share this message so more parents can be prepared.

The system isn’t built to protect your child—it’s built to protect itself. Parents who document are parents who win. And with Highlighter, you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re ready to take control, check out Highlighter today.