March 2026 Policy News Round-Up
NCLD condemns comments about learning disabilities from the Trump Administration, a new Science of Reading bill moves forward, and a new report from NCLD on federal transition supports is released. See what else NCLD is tracking this month.
NCLD Condemns the Administration’s Comments About Learning Disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) released a statement strongly condemning recent remarks by the Administration suggesting that any individual with a learning disability should not serve as president. In the statement, NCLD’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez said “In fact, people with learning disabilities have risen to the upper echelon of every public office in the United States, including former Presidents. Leaders must uphold personal and professional standards of integrity, good judgment, and a commitment to public service. These are characteristics we should expect, and none of them are related to learning disabilities.” Read the full statement here. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also pushed back on the comments.
Bipartisan Science of Reading Bill Passes through House Committee
On March 17, the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee passed the Science of Reading Act of 2026 by a vote of 33-0. The bill prioritizes evidence-based literacy instruction and ensures federal education funding supports proven methods that help students learn to read. The bipartisan piece of legislation also requires instruction grounded in phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing, while discouraging ineffective approaches like the three-cueing model. The lead co-sponsor, Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN), stated in a press release that “Reading is the foundation of every student’s success, and right now, too many children are left behind…I am proud to see this legislation move out of committee and will continue to fight to get it across the finish line.” Read the full bill text here.
New Study Indicates Special Education Services Substantially Improves Learning
A new working paper from the Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development: Wheelock Policy Center found that special education supports learning for students with disabilities. In the three states that were analyzed, students’ scores decline prior to placement in special education services and rise sharply afterward. More specifically, the authors’ key findings are:
- Consistent positive effects across all three states studied.
- Effects are substantially larger than prior estimates.
- Gains are immediate and continue to grow over time.
- Gains reflect genuine learning, not testing accommodations.
- Effects are broadly consistent across student subgroups and school settings.
Read the policy brief here.
NCLD Releases Report on Transition and Workforce Supports
Too many young people with learning disabilities are missing out on federally funded transition and workforce supports that could meaningfully improve employment outcomes—despite strong policy intent and growing investment. NCLD released a new report that analyzes how individuals with learning disabilities access and engage with federally funded Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs, examining participation, services received, and associated outcomes. In the report, NCLD finds that there are strong school referral pathways, an increased rate of employment after program participation, but also that there are significant gaps in access nationwide. Read the full report here.
Advocacy Opportunities
NCLD’s Action Center enables you to contact your Members of Congress and make your voice heard on issues important to students with disabilities. NEW on the Action Center: Tell your Senator to cosponsor the RISE Act!
ICYMI
- U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights concludes D.C. Public Schools discriminates against students with disabilities.
- NCLD joins other advocacy groups raising concerns about Indiana’s new state education accountability system.
- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released two reports related to K-12 Education:
What We’re Reading:
- Chromebook Remorse: Tech Backlash at Schools Extends Beyond Phones | New York Times
- When Language Becomes a Barrier to Special Education | The 74 Million
- Ed Department May Offload Special Education Soon, Advocates Warn | Disability Scoop