Council of Administrators of Special Education | CASE

CASE, The Council of Administrators of Special Education, the largest division of the Council for Exceptional Children, is an international nonprofit professional organization providing leadership, advocacy, and professional development to more than 6,000 administrators responsible for the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. CASE was organized in 1951 in New York, NY at the annual CEC Convention.

CASE is on the list of the Top K-12 Conference to Attend in 2025 in this K-12 Dive article. If you want to elevate your professional learning and be part of a community that is the VOICE of special education leaders, get involved with CASE now. 

CASE UPDATES

Press Release: To Honor IDEA's 50th Anniversary, CASE (Council of Administrators of Special Education) and COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) Team Up to Support Children with Disabilities and Educators

On behalf of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), thank you for signing the Shared Principles & Commitment To the Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities with more than 850 individuals and organizations. Together we affirm our shared commitment to ensuring that children and youth with disabilities receive the education and support fundamental to their growth and development. See more CASE and COPAA information. 

This article, Special educators, disability advocates form united front to protect IDEA, was published on November 20, 2025, in K-12Dive related to press release.   

Celebrating a Successful CASE Conference

This year’s CASE Conference was an outstanding success, bringing together special education leaders, partners, and practitioners from across the country for three days of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Attendees engaged in dynamic sessions led by nationally recognized experts, explored cutting-edge resources in the exhibit hall, and participated in meaningful conversations that will shape the future of special education.

From inspiring keynotes to concurrent sessions and networking events, the conference offered valuable opportunities for professional growth and connection. We are grateful to our presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and participants for contributing to an energizing and impactful experience. Thank you for making this year’s CASE Conference one of our best yet. Together, we continue to lead, advocate, and elevate the field of special education. 

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Advancing the field of special education through the delivery of highly effective professional learning opportunities is a pillar of the CASE's mission. The CASE is dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning that is relevant and important to the field of special education, designed to provide world-class learning and networking to strengthen and grow the field of special education leadership. 

Jan  13 —			Transformational Leadership for Special Education: Beyond Compliance: Evaluating Special Education Assessments as the Cornerstone for Quality & Impact How can a comprehensive program evaluation drive data-informed decision-making and systemic improvements? In this session, we will examine the value of a program evaluation process in identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities in special education services. Administrators will learn how to use evaluation data as a launching point for redesigning service delivery, staffing structures, and profession development priorities to enhance student outcomes.  View Event
Jan  13 —			60 Minutes with Myrna This is a FREE Webinar Series to ensure our members are aware of the current legislative happenings at the federal level. Don't miss these opportunities to engage with other CASE Members in discussions around current issues.  View Event
Jan  20 —			New Directors' Network The New Directors' Network is a dynamic support series designed specifically for new professionals in special education leadership. These one-hour virtual sessions, are held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (Central Time) on select dates. View Event
Jan  28 —			Developing Compliant IEPs Developing Compliant IEPs is a practical, in-depth learning virtual professional learning experience designed to support special education leaders and practitioners in creating legally sound, high-quality Individualized Education Programs. Participants will strengthen their understanding of compliance expectations, common pitfalls, and best practices to ensure IEPs are both student-centered and legally compliant. View Event
Jan 29 — (Feb 3, 11, and 27)			Building Independence, Reducing Reliance on 1:1 Paraprofessionals If we want students to thrive as independent adults, we must intentionally build independence today. This dynamic, content-rich course equips district and school leaders with a practical blueprint for creating sustainable, inclusive support systems that promote student autonomy, reduce over-reliance on 1:1 paraprofessionals, and strengthen long-term outcomes for students with disabilities.  View Event
Feb 17 —			Mindful Matters Being Present is a Gift: How to Give Others Your True Presence As the holidays approach, we often give our time—but not always our presence. Learn how to slow down, center yourself, and truly connect with students, staff, and loved ones in meaningful ways. View Event
Mar 26 —			The Weatherly Review Stay Legally Informed All Year Long with the CASE Weatherly Review! Don’t wait for an annual conference to catch up on the latest legal developments—critical court cases and legal updates are happening year-round. Join us each quarter for the CASE Weatherly Review to stay current on emerging legal trends, due process decisions, and compliance issues that impact special education. Stay proactive, stay informed, and stay ahead with expert analysis from Julie Weatherly, Esq! View Event