Welcome to Special Education Action
Special Education Action is a publisher of commentary and curated information focused on helping parents, students, and educators understand special education.
It is not a source of legal advice.
Founded by Callie Oettinger in 2020, Special Education Action reflects her experiences as a parent navigating the world of special education—struggling to understand the language of special education, writing 100+ state complaints, filing FOIA requests, and more. Prior to launching Special Education Action, Callie spent 20+ years working in the book publishing and documentary film industries. After Dyslexia and some of its companions introduced themselves, she leaned into learning as much as possible about special education. Today, her aim is to share lessons learned and other information that might help other parents, educators, and students.
Between 2020–early 2025, Special Education Action operated without a paid subscription. Everything published was available at no charge to interested readers. As costs continued to increase, the model became unsustainable. In February 2025, Special Education Action moved to Substack and a mix paid/free subscription model.
Although many of the articles have a Virginia focus, Special Education Action continues to expand its focus on issues specific to all education agencies monitored by the U.S. Department of Education. Topics include:
IEP and 504 Plan best practices, including examples of accommodations and services for students who have IEPs or 504 Plans, and lessons learned by parents, educators, and students during their special education journeys
Due Process and State complaints written by parents, advocates and/or lawyers; the local and state education agencies’ responses to the complaints, the investigation findings, and associated appeals
Roundups about what’s new in special education
U.S. Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights findings and resolutions
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) responses
