From the Office of Special Services

Clever RV School Partners with CC Links and Area Resource Providers

Clever RV School has teamed up with CC Links and local service providers to bring a mobile, student-centered outreach to the Christian County Community Resource Fair on October 1 at the OIC Building in Ozark, MO; the RV will serve as an inviting hub where families and individuals with developmental disabilities can learn about supports across the lifespan—early childhood programs, transition services, vocational training, and adult-care planning—through brief consultations, demonstrations, and resource packets, while staff from Clever RV School and partner agencies answer questions, offer enrollment guidance, and connect attendees to follow-up appointments and community-based services in a friendly, inclusive fall-themed setting (4:00–7:00 p.m.), with opportunities to participate in a raffle when present at the drawing.

15 years and counting: Missouri leads the nation in special education excellence

Missouri's commitment to students with disabilities shines brightly. The U.S. Department of Education's June 2026 determination letters recognized Missouri and 20 other states and U.S. territories as meeting IDEA Part B requirements — the highest rating available. Missouri has earned this "meets requirements" distinction every year since at least 2012, a testament to the dedication of educators across the state.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education credits the hard work of teachers and school staff for this remarkable achievement. "This long-standing distinction for Missouri reflects the great work of educators in public schools across the state to ensure high levels of success for students with disabilities," DESE shared. This recognition celebrates the collaborative effort of everyone committed to supporting students with special needs.

Missouri's outstanding record stands out among states. Only three other states — Kansas, Kentucky, and Massachusetts — have maintained this top tier of compliance since at least 2015. A fourth state, Minnesota, recently stepped back after 14 consecutive years of excellence. Missouri's 15-year track record demonstrates the state's unwavering commitment to special education.

States with longest records of meeting IDEA Part B requirements

Several states have also returned to excellence in 2026, including Alabama, Florida, Rhode Island, and South Dakota. Many others — Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands — have sustained top ratings for at least four years. These achievements reflect the shared mission across states to support students with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Education bases its determinations on annual performance reports showing each state's progress toward measurable targets. States are classified into four categories: meeting requirements, needing assistance, needing intervention, or needing substantial intervention. Most states received either top marks or "needs assistance" ratings, with only six jurisdictions identified as needing intervention. This broad success demonstrates the nation's growing dedication to special education. (Special Education Connection, 9/17/2026)