State Superintendent Thurmond Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education (CDE) hosted a formal celebration today for the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), recognizing five decades of ensuring students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education after IDEA was signed into law in November 1975.

“It was a pleasure being a part of recognizing this milestone with CDE staff and advocates for special education, reaffirming our commitment to equity and opportunity for every student,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “For 50 years, IDEA has opened classroom doors and helped ensure students with disabilities receive the free appropriate public education they deserve. In California alone, more than 800,000 students benefit from these protections and services. As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we also renew our responsibility to keep strengthening schools so every child can reach their full potential.”

Superintendent Thurmond has supported legislation and initiatives to strengthen special education, including efforts to end suspensions for “willful defiance” under Senate Bill 274, a practice that has disproportionately impacted students with disabilities. He has been a longtime advocate for the community schools model, which includes integrated supports that strengthen family and community partnerships and promote mental and behavioral health.

Superintendent Thurmond also championed legislation in 2023 that resulted in funding being allocated to expand dyslexia screening. In 2026, one of Superintendent Thurmond’s main priorities is improving literacy outcomes for students with dyslexia.

Over the past 50 years, students with disabilities have moved from exclusion to greater inclusion in general education settings. Graduation rates and post-secondary transition supports have expanded, family engagement structures have strengthened, and interagency collaboration has improved post-school outcomes.

Today’s event honored the progress made in California, acknowledged the partnership of families and educators, and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment of the CDE to strengthening special education systems statewide.

For more information, please visit the CDE Special Education web page.

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100