Special education cuts are on the government’s agenda. There are many projected layoffs at the Department of Education, which threatens special education programs in schools. Many workers who help with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are no longer there, leaving a small number of employees. IDEA ensures that many students with disabilities get services. Unfortunately, these layoffs monitor Title I funding for low-income schools and hold schools accountable.
Special Education and Students
Presently, students with disabilities are entitled to “free appropriate public education”. Congress must still appropriate the money for the per-pupil cost. IDEA is still in effect, but it is unclear about the people who enforces the programs. This means fewer resources and technical assistance for questions. The programs for students (IEP and 504 plans) are not cost to parents, and they provide the necessary resources and accommodations.
The 504 plan and the IEPs are not going away because they are required by federal law. However, not every school follows the regulations, and many officials who oversee programs, distribute money, and help with problems for states and schools no longer have jobs when layoffs begin.
Special Education Facts
Special education covers a wide range of services that help many students. Programs for students best fit the needs of each student. Students must be tested for qualification. It focuses on the learning of all students. Students with disabilities should learn in the classroom with peers, as well as in a resource room with a trained specialist teacher.
If staff are cut, many students face a higher risk of academic failure. When at-risk students are placed in the classroom without a specialized teacher or resources, the workload for the regular teacher increases. The teacher must adapt materials, communicate regularly with parents, and face a larger class size. There will be limited resources and support, and IDEA and 504 compliance may be at risk due to the lack of teacher training. Students lose individualized instruction. Occupational and behavior classes, as well as speech classes, are at risk of elimination.
Tasks for students with special education plans have to have smaller tasks and assignments. Classroom distractions must be kept to a minimum. Any cuts in the education of students affect all students and place all students at risk of academic failure.
States and local communities are responsible for public education. However, the U.S. Department of Education is critical to providing disabled students access to a free and appropriate education. Dismantling or disrupting special education in any way is harmful to all students.
