Special Education—Both Sides of the Equation

High-quality, compliant special education programs that support the needs of students with disabilities (SWD) require sufficient base educational funding and appropriate supplemental resources to meet programmatic goals. General Fund contributions towards personnel, service delivery, and administrative support were always an intended source of funding for special education program costs, but General Fund contributions are on the rise despite increased state funding for special education programs. The trend of insufficient revenues available to cover the costs of operating base educational programs and special education supplemental services continues, influenced by challenges with staffing and service provision, declining enrollment, and growing SWD populations.

Special education programs are impacted by mandated compliance monitoring and the desire to operate legally defensible programs that effectively maximize personnel and fiscal resources to ensure equity and access for SWD. Building sustainable special education programs in the face of shrinking special education resources requires strategic thinking and planning, alignment with general education initiatives, and an embrace of the rightful presence of students in all learning environments. It is critical for special education leaders and fiscal colleagues to develop and implement special education programs focused on student needs in alignment with the initiatives and accountability plans of the district and reflecting the available resources for the programs.

As districts implement Local Control and Accountability Plans focused on tiered systems of support and targeted instructional and behavioral practices, the most cost-effective interventions may reside in the general and special education partnership to ensure students remain in the least restrictive environment and all students receive primary support in literacy, social-emotional, and behavioral areas in the general education environment. Strategic analysis of special education data related to student needs and outcomes, as well as consideration of the rightful presence of students in the least restrictive environment, can support aligned, collaborative, and data-informed decision-making. This webinar will provide participants with up-to-date information on funding and resources, tools for data analysis and effective program management aligned with fiscal responsibility, and recommendations to ensure equity and promote inclusive access for SWD.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is a must for staff responsible for effectively managing and monitoring special education programs, as well as principals and instructional leaders working to successfully implement a meaningful Multi-Tiered System of Supports and improve inclusive access for every student.

Cancellation Policy