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DC KinCare Alliance – support for non-parent caregivers of children

On December 4, 2025November 14, 2025

AJE is happy to share information about organizations who may be able to support the families we work with – the DC KinCare Alliance is one such organization. DC KinCare Alliance seeks to support caregivers who raise DC’s most vulnerable and at-risk children (usually grandparents or other relatives) whose parents are not able to care for...

Dec 3rd – Community Conversation on Potential Changes to DC Graduation Requirements & a new Option for Students with Disabilities

On December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

AJE families might have seen previous posts about potential changes to the DC graduation standards. Here is another opportunity to learn more and share your concerns. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z-uaxttzRbqB7XLyclIx8g

December 10th Special Education Oversight Hearing at DC Council

On December 3, 2025November 14, 2025

On December 10, 2025, the Council of the District of Columbia is holding a hearing on oversight of education for students with disabilities. Any hearing held by the Council is intended to inform the Council about the functions of government and issues in the community. Hearings aim to ensure that all agencies are managed effectively,...

#GivingTuesday

On December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

We only use this space a few times a year to ask for your help, and today is one of those days. As this #GivingTuesday enters its final few hours, please consider helping AJE continue to support DC families. AJE knows that our families depend on us for honest advice and accurate information as they...

Resources about Supported Decision Making

On December 1, 2025November 14, 2025

If Supported Decision Making (SDM) is part of your self-care plan, or the self-care plan of someone you love, you may want to explore these resources from the Council for Court Excellence. While readers of this blog may be more familiar with SDM in the high school context, for youth who hold their education...

OSSE’s Five-Year Strategic Plan SURVEY

On November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

OSSE is surveying DC’s students, families, and educators to guide its new five-year strategic plan (2026-2030). This brief survey (about 5 minutes) asks about your experiences with OSSE, what the agency does well, where it can improve, and what you believe should be OSSE’s top priorities for the future. Responses are anonymous and will be...

Public Feedback Meetings on SBOE High School Graduation Requirements – Dec 8, 11, and 16

On November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

The SBOE is currently considering changes to DC’s high school graduation requirements proposed by OSSE. Come learn about the proposed changes and share your thoughts! This event is being held at the MLK, Jr. Library on December 8th, virtually on December 11th, and at the Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library on December 16th. Scan the QR...

In person Parent Training on Dispute Resolution in the IDEA context November 23rd

On November 21, 2025November 14, 2025

AJE is excited to offer this Parent Training on Dispute Resolution in the IDEA context! You can register here & we look forward to seeing you on the 23rd! Don’t forget that the day before we also have a great Parent Cafe about school discipline!

In person Parent Training on Dispute Resolution in the IDEA context November 23rd

On November 21, 2025November 14, 2025

AJE is excited to offer this Parent Training on Dispute Resolution in the IDEA context! You can register here & we look forward to seeing you on the 23rd! Don’t forget that the day before (Tomorrow!) we also have a great Parent Cafe about school discipline.

U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Resource Explaining Civil Rights Protections Against Retaliation

On November 20, 2025November 14, 2025

Last year, The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a new resource, “Civil Rights Protections Against Retaliation.” This guide explains the key elements of retaliation, outlines how OCR assesses retaliation claims and provides examples that, depending on the facts and circumstances, could raise concerns of unlawful retaliation. Federal civil rights laws...

AJE and Steptoe LLP filed a discrimination lawsuit against DC on behalf of 5-year-old student and his grandmother

On November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

On November 14, 2025 – On behalf of a 5-year-old student and his grandmother, who is his legal guardian, Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE) and Steptoe LLP filed a civil complaint against the District of Columbia (DC) in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The complaint describes the District of Columbia Public...

Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments

On November 17, 2025November 14, 2025

In 2024 the U.S. Department of Education released new guidance to help schools and early childhood programs better support students whose behaviors interfere with learning. Titled “Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments,” the guidance emphasizes evidence-based practices like Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) to address behavioral challenges. Key Highlights Addressing Discipline Concerns: The...

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