July 30, 2021

Special education funding should be more streamlined, report finds

Funding should be based on students' needs, not attendance, to help achieve more equitable academic outcomes, researchers say.

Carolyn Jones

July 22, 2021

How California plans to deter costly special education disputes

A new initiative is meant to help parents and schools settle Covid-related disputes over services for students before heading to court.

Carolyn Jones

July 2, 2021

Special education sees 'historic' boost in new funding

California will get over $1 billion in state and federal funding for students with disabilities, many of whom struggled in distance learning.

Carolyn Jones

May 10, 2021

What happens when California students in special education return to the classroom?

The forecast is mixed for special education students. Many will be behind academically, but some thrived with distance learning.

Carolyn Jones

February 16, 2021

Special education teachers grapple with risks of in-person classes: ‘An impossible choice’

Students who won’t wear masks or socially distance create for a “nerve-wracking” work environment.

Carolyn Jones

November 30, 2020

Less siloed, more inclusive: Changes to special education teacher preparation expected to have big impact on schools

Under the new standards, special education teachers will be able to co-teach in “mainstream” classrooms.

Carolyn Jones

November 20, 2020

Why special education advocates are hopeful about the Biden administration

As a candidate, Biden promised full funding of programs that benefit students with disabilities.

Carolyn Jones

October 5, 2020

Special education funding should be less isolated, have more accountability, report finds

Schools can save money by combining services and blending funding, a new special education report says.

Carolyn Jones

September 28, 2020

Some schools now open for small special education classes

Debate swirls over safety and liability as some high-needs students head back to the classroom.

Carolyn Jones

September 18, 2020

For California’s new head of special education, ‘nothing is insurmountable’

Heather Calomese talks to EdSource about distance learning, social justice and the future of special education.

Carolyn Jones

August 26, 2020

California issues rules for opening schools to high-needs students

Special education, homeless and foster students are priority groups that can return in separate cohorts with up to 14 children and two adults.

John Fensterwald

August 17, 2020

As school starts, California districts try to improve virtual special education

Parents are skeptical that distance learning will ever work for children with disabilities.

Carolyn Jones

August 14, 2020

California schools allowed to open for small groups with ’acute’ needs under new guidance

Forthcoming guidance permitting limited openings will apply to districts in counties on the coronavirus watch list, where schools are shut down.

John Fensterwald

August 7, 2020

Why special education funding will be more equitable under new state law

The state plans to spend an additional $650 million on special education under new law.

Carolyn Jones

June 26, 2020

Special education would get big boost under Biden proposal

Full funding, teacher recruitment and early childhood programs are included in a wide-ranging disability platform.

Carolyn Jones