2023 PDE Age-Out Policy Change

On August 30, 2023, Dr. Carole L. Clancy, Director of the PDE Bureau of Special Education, sent a memo to all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) titled Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education.

The memo states that "[t]he Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is writing to communicate an important policy change that will provide continued education services to special education students. This policy change will ensure students can access Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as they are entitled under federal law."

"Effective no later than September 5, 2023, all students entitled to FAPE and all of the rights and procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 14 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code may remain enrolled in public school until they turn 22 years of age. This includes students who turned 21 and exited during or after the 2022-2023 school term."

Learn more at IDEAB FAQ (pa.gov)