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View from an Oregon special education administrator: Mental health, behavior, staffing among biggest challenges

March 23, 2023

This is another story in OPB’s series on the state of special education. You can read the first story here, the second story here, and the most recent story here.

OPB’s series on the state of special education has featured students, parents, and staff members across the Portland area. The series has found that some students with disabilities are missing out on school while staff are stretched thin trying to deal with increased needs.

Education reporter Elizabeth Miller recently spoke with a top staff member at one of Oregon’s largest school districts, Beaverton special education administrator Kelly Raf, about the challenges she sees from the district office.

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

Kelly Raf: Special education is a field that is always growing and evolving. We’re always responding to the increased needs that we’re seeing in

Opinion: Outlining our steadfast commitment to special education in Howard County

March 22, 2023

By Michael J. Martirano

The writer is superintendent of the Howard County Public School System.

As we mark Disability Awareness Month, it is an optimal time to reaffirm and amplify our commitment to providing exceptional special education services and supports.

There has been much community discussion recently, including media coverage about special education services in Howard County. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in serving our students receiving special education services and in building a culture and climate of meaningful inclusion in our schools.

It wasn’t always this way, in fact, special education has evolved tremendously in our country over the last 50 years. Children with disabilities were once treated differently than their typically developing peers. Some may have been kept at home; others sent to institutions. Those who attended so-called “regular” schools were routinely taught in classrooms separate from their typically

PA Announces .5 Million in Grants to Attract more Special Education Teachers

PA Announces $1.5 Million in Grants to Attract more Special Education Teachers

March 21, 2023

The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that $1.5 million in grant funding is available to institutions of higher education (IHE) that partner with school districts to expedite the process to become a special education teacher.

“As we work to create a pipeline of high-quality educators in the Commonwealth, it is critical that we create partnerships to support schools and today’s learners,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “This grant funding will enable schools to meet their unique staffing needs and provide more opportunities for flexible, accelerated certification for prospective educators.”

Pennsylvania is facing a major shortage of educators across the state. A decade ago, roughly 20,000 teacher certifications were issued each year, while in 2021 only about 6,000 were issued.

Through the Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification, grants are available to colleges and universities with approved PK-12 special education certification programs to partner with

LCPS accused of low-balling needs of special education students | Education

March 18, 2023 sNawaWebs.ADV

Loudoun County Public Schools is being accused of downplaying the needs of special education students to justify cutting special education staff.

In her quarterly presentation to the school board on March 14, Sharon Tropf, Special Education Advisory Committee chairwoman, said the school division was under-reporting needs of special education students and the services they are provided in Individualized Education Programs. IEPs are specially designed education plans for students with educational disabilities. In Virginia, they include assessments and annual benchmarks, according to the Virginia Department of Education.

Sharon Tropf, Loudoun County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee chairwoman

Photo courtesy of Sharon Tropf

Parents, teachers demand Kansas fully fund special education

March 11, 2023 sNawaWebs.ADV

Sara Jahnke received a call from her son’s elementary school that made her heart drop.

Jahnke said her 6-year-old, Crosby, had escaped his school last fall and run outside toward a busy street. The Shawnee Mission first grader, who has Down syndrome, needs to be closely monitored because he’s mastered unlocking doors and is known to run off — and when he does, he’s fast.

“They gave me a call to let me know it happened and that he was safe. Honestly, he’s a runner. And I think they were doing everything they could. But the class is just so understaffed,” Jahnke said. “He is a high-needs child. And I think that a lot of the kids that are in his class have really high needs and take a lot of attention. When you’re watching a lot of kids, it’s hard.” The district declined to confirm to The Star that