Mission Statement

NASDSE Vision

The Membership and staff of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education are committed to a performance-based educational system responsive to the needs of all children and youth, including those with disabilities.

In such a system, all children reap the benefits of a free, appropriate public education through effective, research-based, instructional programs and practices, based on equitable standards and high expectations for which individualized programs are built. Accommodations to the general program are strategically designed and made with precision to ensure positive results. Special education, one of many accommodations are enhanced by technology that is used to support the teaching and learning process. The resources of education and other agencies are employed flexibly in the delivery of services to children and families to support the total instructional efforts of schools. Attention is given to the use of inputs and processes to ensure successful individual student and system results. Youth with disabilities leave school ready to participate fully in society, prepared to pursue either meaningful careers or postsecondary education.

NASDSE envisions families and community members engaged with capable, well-prepared professional and paraprofessional educators as full partners in the educational process. Schools and early childhood environments are places within which diversity is encouraged and appreciated.

NASDSE Mission

NASDSE operates for the purpose of providing services to state agencies to facilitate their efforts to maximize educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

NASDSE is a not-for-profit organization established in 1938 to promote and support education programs and related services for children and youth with disabilities in the United States and outlying areas. NASDSE accomplishes its goals by establishing and maintaining relations between those responsible for the development of statewide and federal special education programs and those responsible for general curriculum planning at the local, state and national levels. NASDSE activities are designed to provide professional support to its members and others interested in special education.

NASDSE Goals

NASDSE members, supported by NASDSE staff, will:

Improve educational results for children with disabilities through education reform.
Bring about aligned, continuously improving educational services.
Promote educational equity for all children.
Strengthen ongoing professional development.
Design efficient, cost-effective, flexible administrative systems and practices.
Nurture partnership-based, whole-systems collaboration.
Create school environments conducive to learning.
Build effective family-school partnerships.
Advance public engagement in educational reform efforts that support high achievement for all children.

NASDSE Objectives

All NASDSE activities relate to the following objectives:

Expanding the capabilties of State Education Agencies (SEAs) to ensure successful outcomes for individuals with disabilties.
Providing effective leadership in the development of national policy related to services that produce those successful outcomes.
Being the best national source of information regarding education for individuals with disabilities.
Creating and maintaining a productive and supportive work environment that allows NASDSE staff to help the membership meet NASDSE priorities.
Developing resources sufficient to provide essential services to the membership and to achieve NASDSE's mission and goals.