
What We Do
Document and Communicate Facts
The Center is committed to disseminating information about the status of students with disabilities in traditional and charter public schools.
Inform Policy
As a part of our efforts to engage in the national discussion, the Center works to track and inform federal, state, and local policy that impacts students with disabilities.
Develop Coalitions
The Center is committed to bringing together stakeholders to change the status quo for children with disabilities.
Build Capacity in the Field
The Center engages key stakeholders to implement practices that leverage the flexibility created by charter laws to support the full inclusion of students with disabilities.
Reports & Resources

Key Trends in Special Education in Public Schools (2020-21)
CLE’s Analysis of the Civil Rights Data Collection In September 2024, we completed the fifth analysis of the... read more →
October 8, 2024
Shifting the Tide: Exploring Centralization of Services for Students with Disabilities in New Orleans
CLE is pleased to publish this study that identifies a path forward for New Orleans’ uniquely decentralized school system to... read more →
August 9, 2024
Charter School Equity, Growth, Quality, and Sustainability Study
The two-year research study highlights how state policymakers, authorizers, nonprofits, charter management organizations, and individual schools can improve... read more →
July 16, 2024
Model Policy Guide – 2nd Edition | Model Policies for Equitable Access and Quality Opportunities for Students with Disabilities in Charter Schools
With their increased autonomy and flexibility, charter schools can be a promising educational option for students with disabilities. However, during... read more →
February 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education’s Guidance, “State General Supervision Responsibilities under Parts B and C of the IDEA: Monitoring, Technical Assistance, and Enforcement”
On July 24, 2023, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) of the U.S. Department of Education (US ED) released... read more →
September 5, 2023
ED’s OSEP Issues Guidance on State IDEA Monitoring and Compliance
On July 24th, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Special Education Programs (OSEP) released guidance regarding IDEA monitoring and compliance... read more →
July 26, 2023News & Commentary

Virtual Press Conference – March 20, 2025
Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, March 20, 2025, The Center for Learner Equity (CLE) joined the National Center for Learning... read more →
March 31, 2025
THE CENTER FOR LEARNER EQUITY OBJECTS TO MOVING THE EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Washington, D.C.– The Center for Learner Equity (CLE) vehemently objects to moving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA,... read more →
March 24, 2025
THE CENTER FOR LEARNER EQUITY DENOUNCES PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ABOLISH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Washington, D.C.– The Center for Learner Equity (CLE) denounces the Trump Administration's Executive Order calling for the Secretary to facilitate... read more →
March 20, 2025
Jennifer Coco’s Guest Column: NOLA schools must come together on helping students with disabilities. Here’s how.
Jennifer Coco's guest column highlights the need for better support for students with disabilities in New Orleans public schools.... read more →
October 2, 2024
Lauren Morando Rhim Appears as Guest in DA’s Podcast ‘Talking Out of School’: How charter schools can improve special education
The latest episode of District Administration’s “Talking Out of School” podcast highlights how charter schools can better serve students... read more →
August 18, 2024
Lauren Morando Rhim Quoted in Vox “One complicated reason homeschooling is on the rise” Article
CLE's executive director, Lauren Morando Rhim spoke with Vox about why many families are turning to homeschooling and microschools... read more →
August 16, 2024