Special Education and Disability-Related Issues
Nationwide Shortage of Special Educators
State-Level Special Education Initiatives
Challenges and Legal Issues in Special Education
Autism and Special Education
Special Education During and Post-Pandemic
High-Profile Special Education Cases
 
Legal and Policy Developments in Education
Supreme Court and Title IX
Upcoming Supreme Court Cases
 
School Safety and Environmental Concerns
School Crime and Safety
Lead Contamination in Schools
 
Notable Education and Community Stories
Education and Leadership
School Closures and Community Impact
 
Miscellaneous Education Issues
PBS Kids New Show
Field Trips and Test Scores

1. Special Education and Disability-Related Issues

Nationwide Shortage Of Special Educators Plagues Districts
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/08/20/nationwide-shortage-of-special-educators-plagues-districts/31014/

As the school year begins, many states are facing a shortage of special education teachers. A U.S. Department of Education report shows that 39 states and Washington, D.C. lack enough special educators for the 2024-2025 school year. Only 11 states, including California and Massachusetts, are not experiencing shortages.
Denise Marshall, CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), notes that the shortage remains a serious concern. Districts are reallocating resources, using temporary staff, and creating pathways to train paraprofessionals as teachers. Although there has been slight improvement from last year, with fewer states reporting shortages, many districts still struggle to fill positions.
With a record number of students qualifying for special education services, Marshall stresses the need for uncredentialed staff to receive proper training and supervision and urges districts to keep parents informed and track student progress.

Minnesota to invest $10 million in special education
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-to-invest-10-million-in-special-education/?utm_content=header

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced a $10 million investment to train special education teachers in over 35 districts. Part of the Education Pipeline grant program, this funding will support tuition, stipends, and mentoring to help teachers become fully licensed. MDE Commissioner Willie Jett emphasized the importance of preparing special education teachers to ensure every student receives a quality education.

Nearly 50% of special education directors say school-parent conflict is increasing
https://www.k12dive.com/news/special-education-litigation-disputes-parents-OSEP/723813/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE8qdBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHavWp7cd3q8cDZLZnxUTWEOqEnSUA24KosGEShAryORQ6s_xaWkbH6l9ZQ_aem_V082yNoLQkoGl08_zCrSVA

A survey by the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education found that 98% of local special education directors report positive relationships with families, and 95% say IEP meetings are collaborative. However, 45% noted a rise in unresolved conflicts. Key barriers include time constraints and a lack of state resources. Directors expressed a need for specialized training in conflict resolution, with 69% seeking skills in this area. Proactive strategies like mediation, routine practices, and building strong parent relationships were recommended to prevent and manage disputes, ultimately improving outcomes for students and staff retention.

Carroll ISD Says Federal Civil Rights Investigation Lacks Evidence
https://texasscorecard.com/local/carroll-isd-says-federal-civil-rights-investigation-lacks-evidence/

Carroll Independent School District (ISD) has declined to negotiate with the U.S. Department of Education regarding civil rights complaints alleging racial and LGBTQ+ discrimination. The complaints, filed by four former students, claim that the district forces families to choose between enduring discrimination or leaving. Carroll ISD criticized the Department for not providing written findings, stating they feel “forced to negotiate in the dark.” They also referenced the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision, questioning the Department’s enforcement authority. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund supports mandatory diversity training in the district, while local conservative leaders and U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne argue the complaints are politically motivated and challenge the investigation’s legitimacy.

As Autism Treatment Spending Rises, Controversial Therapy Is The Main Option For Families
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/07/31/as-autism-treatment-spending-rises-controversial-therapy-is-the-main-option-for-families/30993/

In Minneapolis, the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for autism is widely debated. While some parents like Fatima Molas find it beneficial for teaching skills, others like Joyner Emerick reject it to preserve their child’s autistic identity. ABA, the main early intervention funded by Medicaid in Minnesota, faces scrutiny for its repetitive nature and potential fraud. The practice has evolved from using punishment to positive reinforcement, but critics argue it still pressures children to conform to neurotypical behaviors. Advocates call for more diverse autism interventions and better oversight to ensure high standards and individualized care.

Thousands fewer WA kids were evaluated for special ed during pandemic
https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/thousands-fewer-wa-kids-were-evaluated-for-special-ed-during-pandemic/

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted special education services, leading to a 25% decline in evaluations for disabilities in Washington state. Around 8,500 fewer students were assessed from March 2020 to early 2022, compared to pre-pandemic levels, potentially leaving many without needed accommodations. Although evaluation rates recovered by 2021-22, the gap remains. This decline coincides with chronic shortages of special education teachers and challenges in addressing long-term academic setbacks, as schools deplete their pandemic relief funds.

School Incident Lands Teen With Autism In Prison For 5 Years
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/08/20/school-incident-lands-teen-with-autism-in-prison-for-5-years/31016/

Brendan Depa, a Florida teenager with severe autism, was sentenced to five years in prison and 15 years of probation for assaulting teacher’s aide Joan Naydich, leaving her with broken ribs. The 2023 attack, captured on video, drew widespread attention. Despite his disabilities, Depa was tried as an adult for aggravated battery. His family alleges that Matanzas High School failed to follow his behavioral plan, leading to the incident. Despite pleas for leniency, the judge declined to impose juvenile sanctions, ordering a mental health assessment instead. Disability advocates criticized the ruling as criminalizing a disability.

Special Education:
Education Needs School- and District-Level Data to Fully Assess Resources Available to Students with Disabilities
GAO-24-106264
Published: Jun 27, 2024. Publicly Released: Jul 29, 2024.

All 32 entities GAO visited—including 16 school districts, four state educational
agencies, and 12 special education organizations across four states—said
personnel shortages were a key obstacle to educating students with disabilities.
This is consistent with GAO’s 2022 work on teacher shortages, which showed a
nationwide shortage of special education teachers. Other obstacles cited by
officials in most districts were insufficient time for professional development,
challenges communicating with parents, and insufficient collaboration between
general and special education staff. The snowball effect of these obstacles may
result in some students not receiving needed education and services (see figure).
Officials said some students do not receive high-quality education, some receive
delayed services, and some do not receive services at all. State and school
district officials described strategies to mitigate these obstacles, including
mentorship programs and ways to grow the teacher pipeline.

Legal and Policy Developments in Education

Supreme Court blocks partial enforcement of final Title IX rule
https://www.k12dive.com/news/supreme-court-rejects-emergency-request-partial-title-ix-rule-enforcement-education-department/724523/

The U.S. Supreme Court denied the Biden administration’s request to enforce uncontested parts of the Title IX final rule in states with injunctions. This decision keeps the entire rule, including LGBTQI+ protections, on hold in 10 states while legal challenges continue. U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar criticized the broad injunction, but the Court upheld it. Four justices opposed the decision, arguing that non-LGBTQI+ related provisions should remain in effect. The Education Department will continue to defend the rule in lower courts, with an expedited hearing in the 6th Circuit scheduled for October. State officials in Tennessee and Louisiana praised the ruling as a win for student privacy and free speech.

What will the Supreme Court’s October 2024 term bring for K-12?
https://www.k12dive.com/news/supreme-court-cases-oct-2024-term-k-12-impact/723311/?utm_medium=email&utm_content=mtt2fFfITD9ZwsrkrHF8d-Ixpe-2nuhXSfYrRc3smSOrylOpOklnqSnUxkLH8WK6

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear two pivotal cases in its upcoming term, both with potential implications for K-12 schools. The first case, Williams v. Washington, set for oral arguments on October 7, will determine whether individuals must exhaust state administrative remedies before suing local government officials for civil rights violations. This case arose from Alabama residents who, after experiencing extreme delays in unemployment claim processing, sued the state for violating their constitutional rights. The outcome could impact areas like special education, particularly concerning administrative processes before litigation.
The second case, Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. United States, involves the FCC’s E-rate program, which funds technology for schools and libraries. The court will decide whether reimbursement requests under this program can be considered “claims” under the False Claims Act. The decision could have significant financial implications, as E-rate disperses up to $4.5 billion annually.
These cases follow a series of recent Supreme Court decisions affecting education, including the overturning of race-conscious admissions and the Chevron doctrine, which limited federal agency power. The court’s decisions in these cases could further influence legal standards and operational practices in K-12 education, particularly in civil rights and funding areas.

Nearly 50% of special education directors say school-parent conflict is increasing
https://www.k12dive.com/news/special-education-litigation-disputes-parents-OSEP/723813/
A survey by the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education found that 98% of local special education directors view their relationships with families as positive, and 95% report collaborative IEP meetings. However, 45% noted an increase in unresolved conflicts. Presenters at a U.S. Department of Education conference emphasized the importance of proactive dispute resolution strategies, such as mediation, to prevent and address conflicts. Challenges include time constraints and a need for specialized training in conflict resolution. Improved relationships and communication with parents are key to better student outcomes and reducing conflicts.

School Safety and Environmental Concerns

Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2023
https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2024145&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsflash

The Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety 2023 compiles key fndings from the Indicator System. This summary report provides an overview of information available on various topics, as well as direct links to the online versions of the indicators discussed. This year’s report also includes selected content from the Digest of Education Statistics. The report is organized into fve sections: elementary and secondary student and teacher victimization; school environment; fghts and weapons; safety, security, and mental health practices; and postsecondary campus safety and security. Each section begins with a set of key fndings. Because individual indicators provide only partial measures of the overall condition of school crime and safety in the United States, the summary format of this report— particularly the key findings sections—serve as important syntheses of the information provided in the Indicator System and the Digest of Education Statistics.

Kids drink contaminated water at schools, but testing for lead isn’t required
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/08/08/lead-schools-pipes-testing/

In 2016, New York required all public schools to test drinking water for lead, revealing dangerous levels at Keyry Broncano’s schools in the East Ramapo Central School District. Despite this, many schools nationwide still struggle with lead in water due to aging infrastructure. Only 18 states and D.C. mandate school water testing. The EPA plans to require utilities to test water in schools, but without enforcing remediation. East Ramapo has not fixed its taps since 2016, relying on bottled water instead. Long-term lead exposure can harm children’s development, yet a national mandate for school water testing is lacking.

A 10-Year-Old Pointed a Finger Gun. The Principal Kicked Him Out of His Tennessee School for a Year.
https://www.propublica.org/article/tennessee-school-threats-expulsions

Last September, Belle’s 10-year-old son, Lee, was expelled from his Tennessee elementary school for a year after mimicking a gun with his hand, following a new zero-tolerance state law. Although Lee had no history of severe misbehavior, the law required expulsion for any perceived threats of mass violence. Belle, horrified by the extreme punishment, withdrew Lee from school to homeschool him. The expulsion left Lee socially isolated and struggling academically. Despite her efforts to reduce the expulsion, Belle remained worried about Lee’s future, fearing the incident’s long-term impact and contemplating homeschooling him permanently to shield him from further harsh disciplinary actions.

Notable Education and Community Stories

Tim Walz’s Son Gus Brings Disabilities To National Stage
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/08/23/tim-walzs-son-gus-brings-disabilities-to-national-stage/31021/

Tim Walz’s acceptance of the Democratic vice-presidential nomination was highlighted by an emotional moment with his 17-year-old son, Gus, who has disabilities. Gus, diagnosed with a nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD, and anxiety, expressed love and pride during the speech, despite facing challenges. This public moment underscores the experiences of families with disabilities and emphasizes the need for inclusive policies. Advocates hope it sparks meaningful discussions about the inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

THE DEATH OF SCHOOL
How declining enrollment is threatening the future of American public education.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/09/02/school-closures-public-education-charters-homeschooling-rochester

In the 1990s, the Kpor family fled Liberia’s civil war and resettled in Rochester, New York. Janice Kpor, then eleven, adapted to her new life, eventually earning a degree and becoming a social-service case manager. Active in her children’s education, she led the PTA at School 10. However, facing declining enrollment and budget constraints, the Rochester City School District announced the closure of 11 schools, including School 10. This decision, driven by post-pandemic enrollment declines, deeply upset Kpor and other parents, who felt their community was being dismantled. Despite the challenges, Janice remained committed to her children’s education, symbolizing the broader struggles of urban public schools in a changing educational landscape.

Miscellaneous Education Issues

30-Min Webinar: Are students benefiting from the rising costs of Special Ed?
https://edunomicslab.org/2024/08/01/are-students-benefiting-from-the-rising-costs-of-special-ed/

Special education is consuming a growing share of public school budgets. Edunomics Lab is analyzing new data to assess whether rising identification rates and staffing increases are benefiting students. State-by-state comparisons reveal significant differences in how systems serve students with disabilities, leading to varying outcomes. This 30-minute webinar discusses the findings.

Partnerships key in supporting military-connected students with disabilities
https://www.k12dive.com/news/military-connected-children-with-disabilities-special-education/723674/

Military-connected children with disabilities face unique educational challenges due to frequent relocations, moving every two to three years on average. To support these families, educators and partners must establish strong, ongoing relationships, providing guidance on navigating new school systems and understanding special education rights. Resources from organizations like the Department of Defense and the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) are essential. Collaboration among educators, military representatives, and advocacy groups helps ensure smooth transitions, reducing stress and anxiety for families. Over 42,000 active-duty military families have children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of tailored support across all U.S. schools.

As Deadline Looms, Congress Weighs Future Of Autism Act
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/08/12/as-deadline-looms-congress-weighs-future-of-autism-act/31000/

With the Autism CARES Act set to expire, federal lawmakers are working to renew $2 billion in funding for autism-related initiatives, but time is running short. Originating in 2006, the law supports research, training, and services for autism. Though the 2024 renewal bills have passed Senate and House committees, they differ and need reconciliation. Both versions aim to increase funding, address aging and speech issues, and require the NIH to produce an annual autism research budget. Advocates urge reauthorization before the September 30 deadline.

A Teacher in the White House: What Harris-Walz Could Mean for Education
https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/opinion-a-teacher-in-the-white-house-what-harris-walz-could-mean-for-education/2024/08

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for her presidential campaign.. Walz, a former social studies teacher, could influence policies, particularly in expanding early childhood education, universal school lunch programs, and recruiting teachers of color. Walz’s experience in Congress and his track record as governor suggest he could play a significant role in shaping future education legislation under a Harris-Walz administration.

PBS Kids To Launch New Show About Characters With Autism
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/07/18/pbs-kids-to-launch-new-show-about-characters-with-autism/30971/

PBS Kids will premiere “Carl the Collector” on November 14, featuring a raccoon with autism as the main character. The animated show, set in Fuzzytown, highlights the adventures of Carl and his neurodiverse friends, teaching empathy, understanding, and social skills. The show is created by Zachariah OHora and includes neurodiverse talent in its production. It aims to celebrate diversity and encourage self-discovery among kids ages 4 to 8.

No field trips for Fayette County students due to low test scores
https://wreg.com/news/local/no-field-trips-for-fayette-county-students-due-to-low-test-scores/

Parents in Fayette County, Tennessee, are upset after the school district canceled field trips due to low math and reading scores. The decision, announced on social media, has sparked criticism, with parents arguing that field trips offer valuable educational experiences. Local businesses, like Falcon Ridge Farm, also express concern about the economic impact of the cancellations, doubting the effectiveness of this measure in improving test scores.