NCLD Files Amicus Brief to Defend Educator Grant Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 31, 2025 — The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) filed an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court on Friday in opposition to the Application to Vacate the Order Issued by the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The brief, filed through Jacobson Lawyers Group, highlights NCLD’s deep concern over the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to terminate nearly all grants under two essential programs: the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) and Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant programs.

SEED and TQP are long-standing, evidence-based initiatives that help prepare profession-ready educators—especially those who serve students with disabilities. These programs have consistently proven effective in recruiting, developing, and retaining high-quality teacher candidates equipped with evidence-based, high-leverage practices.

“The decision to slash funding for SEED and TQP programs places our students, families, and educators at risk,” said Jacqueline Rodriguez, Ph.D., CEO at NCLD. “These programs are not just investments in teaching—they are investments in equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all learners.”

NCLD’s brief underscores the profound and detrimental impact that eliminating these programs will have on the millions of students with learning disabilities nationwide. These students already face significant barriers due to underfunding, lack of access to evidence-based interventions, and persistent stigma regarding their academic potential. Reducing access to well-prepared, profession-ready educators compounds these challenges.

For nearly 50 years, NCLD has worked to create accessible and inclusive environments for individuals with learning disabilities—who have been historically underserved and often hidden in plain sight. NCLD works to dismantle systemic barriers and drive transformative change in schools, workplaces, and communities through research, policy advocacy, and partnerships with educators, families, and young adults.

“We believe every student deserves a teacher prepared to meet their unique needs,” Rodriguez added. “Cutting programs like SEED and TQP undermines the very foundation of inclusive education. We urge the court to reject this effort to vacate the order and to stand with the students who depend on these critical investments.”

Read the full amicus brief.