CEC Survey on Special Education

A release from the Council for Exceptional Children:

Recent budget cuts at the federal, state and local levels are impacting the delivery of special education services for students with disabilities, according to a new survey conducted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the National Coalition of Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services (NCPSSERS).

The survey of more than 1,000 special education professionals, including special education teachers and special education administrators from all 50 states, shows that the impact of federal, state and local budget cuts on special education is most evident in an increase in caseload and class size; lack of funding to purchase resources such as assistive technology; and reduced professional development opportunities.
 ...

The CEC/NCPSSERS survey shows that:

•  94% of respondents state that their school district has been impacted by budget cuts over the last year. 
•  83% of respondents state that budget cuts have already impacted the delivery of special education services. 
•  82% of respondents state that there are ‘too few personnel to meet the needs of students with disabilities’ in their school district. 
•  78% of respondents state that budget cuts have resulted in an increase in caseload. 
•  61% of respondents state that budget cuts have resulted in an increase in class size. 
•  61% of respondents state that they work in a high-poverty school/district receiving Title I assistance; 
•  43% of respondents state that budget cuts over the last year have been a combination of sequestration and state/local funding cuts. 
•  40% of respondents say that budget cuts have led to unfilled vacancies of school personnel and 
• nearly one-third report layoffs of specialized instructional support personnel and teachers. 

IDEA Full Funding Act

Congress has never fully funded IDEA. Notwithstanding the failure of similar legislation in the past (as well as severe fiscal problems), Senator Tom Harkin has introduced S. 1403, the IDEA Full Funding Act:

From the Council for Exceptional Children:

On July 21, champions of special education in the Senate introduced important and responsible legislation that honors Congress’s commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – the IDEA Full Funding Act.

Led by longtime disability advocate and recent CEC Outstanding Public Service awardee, Senator Harkin (D-IA), the IDEA Full Funding Act was introduced with the support of thirteen additional Senators -- Senators Durbin (D-IL), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Blumenthal (D-CT), Murray (D-WA), Whitehouse (D-RI), Leahy (D-VT), Bennet (D-CO), Franken (D-MN), Mikulski (D-MD), Reed (D-RI), Shaheen (D-NH), Johnson (D-SD), Begich (D-AK) – and the endorsement of CEC and other national organizations. Read Coalition Letter

Over the last 35 years, CEC has consistently led the effort for full funding for all parts of IDEA. This year, with state and local budgets tighter than ever, CEC applauds these Senators for standing firm in their commitment to full funding for IDEA even as pressures mount to cut federal spending from critical programs. Urge your Senators to support the IDEA Full Funding Act!

Since originally enacted in 1975, IDEA has consistently strengthened schools across the nation and, most importantly, allowed children and youth with disabilities to access the general curriculum—in many cases learning side-by-side with their peers. It has also allowed more children and youth with disabilities to graduate from high school and transition to bright futures. Overall, IDEA has improved outcomes for millions of students.

This bill is a responsible offering to the discussions about funding IDEA. It would gradually increase the funding for IDEA over 10 years, reaching full funding in 2021. It is also entirely paid for by an increase in tobacco taxes, meaning it would not deplete the general fund. For more information about how the bill is responsibly funded, read Fact Sheet.