Advancing from pockets of excellence to systems of excellence for students with disabilities

Arlington, Virginia – The U.S. Department of Education leaders emphasized at the Office of Special Education Programs conference that local and state school systems should adopt evidence-based practices for students with disabilities, rather than opting for quick fixes.

“There are existing solutions for our students’ needs,” stated Cindy Marten, deputy secretary of education. “However, these solutions are not consistently implemented at a systemic level nationwide.”

Marten, a former San Diego Unified School District superintendent, emphasized the importance of implementing effective practices for all students consistently.

Addressing challenges in special education, such as teacher shortages and individualized student needs, requires a collective effort to ensure excellence across all systems, Marten highlighted.

The OSEP conference is hosting about 1,900 special education professionals from all U.S. states and territories to discuss practices for enhancing outcomes for students with disabilities.

1. Emphasize Academic Rigor

Valerie Williams, OSEP Director, urged attendees to promote student success by recognizing their academic strengths and fostering aspirations for college and career readiness.

“We need to continually aim for improvements in our systems and raise our expectations for our childre]]>

Williams advised leveraging the individualized education program process to provide personalized support for students’ success in general education classrooms.

She also highlighted the need for data-driven decisions to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Williams stressed the significance of addressing teacher shortages and enhancing learning conditions for students by attracting more education professionals.

2. Promote Inclusive Practices