President Donald Trump has tapped Johnny Collett, who currently works at the Council of Chief State School Officers, to be the assistant
secretary of education for special education and rehabilitative services. That's the top special education post at the department.
Collett is currently CCSSO's director of special education outcomes, where he helps states navigate disability policy. Before that, he
served as the director of learning services and state director of special education at the Kentucky Department of Education. He's also served on the board of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education.
Before working at KDE, Collett was a high school special education teacher. You
can read an interview with him on his role at CCSSO here.
CCSSO is psyched about Collett's appointment.
"Congratulations to Johnny Collett. Johnny recognizes we must set high expectations and provide the necessary supports for each and every child to create a more equitable education system," said Chris
Minnich, the executive director, in a statement. "He has experience at the national, state and local level that will be a strong asset to the U.S. Department of Education."
Special education has been a tough area for U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and her team, ever since she appeared to blank on
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during her confirmation hearing. More on this story from Christina Samuels.
Erin Prangley
Director, Public Policy
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006
202.506.5813 Ext. 104 (Phone)
202.506.5846 (Fax)