A recent federal court decision requires the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) to continue to provide special education and related services to students until their 22nd birthday, if they have not graduated with a regular high school diploma. Before the lawsuit, the DOE, pursuant to state law, was terminating special education services at age 20.
Now, special education eligible students may continue to receive special education and related services until their 22nd birthday and the DOE may be required to provide free compensatory education services to those students who were affected by the DOE’s prior policies.
If you believe you may be a class member and eligible for compensatory education, contact the DOE, Special Education Section, by phone at (808) 305-9806; or by email to DOE_SPED@notes.k12.hi.us PRIOR TO 4:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.
(SA615868 4/4, 4/11/14)~