Special ed advocacy groups set ambitious plan for more federal funding
As the nation headed toward the fiscal cliff late last week and most educators were scrambling to cover the eventual reductions in federal funds that are sure to accompany sequestration, two major special education groups unveiled an ambitious policy agenda for next year – most of it pressing for more money, not less.
The joint release came from the Council for Exceptional Children, which represents over 30,000 professionals and calls itself the “voice and vision of special education,” and the Children and Youth Action Network, considered the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities.
The groups identified 10 separate high priority topics as well as two other areas that need work and two more that should be monitored.
Among the top priorities were:
- Supporting “the unique role of special educators” in successful “outcomes for children and youth with disabilities by strengthening … preparation, induction and mentoring programs;”
- Championing “stronger collaboration … between special and general education” through the reauthorization … of the Elementary Education and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education