Special education advocates prioritize funding, mental health, and teacher shortages

In Alexandria, Virginia, special education advocates are meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to push for increased funding to support the mental well-being of students and combat teacher shortages affecting students with disabilities.

Special education faces interconnected challenges, as advocates highlight the need for additional resources under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to address the growing demand for qualified personnel and support services. Ensuring adequate staffing is crucial for meeting the mental health needs of students with disabilities, according to advocates.

The discussion took place at theSpecial Education Legislative Summit, organized by the Council for Exceptional Children and the Council of Administrators of Special Education and attended by over 225 participants nationwide.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that approximately 70% of schools surveyed hadspecial education teaching positions unfilled in the 2023-24 academic year. Additionally, half of special education teachers leave the profession within the first five years, as noted by CEC and CASE.

The number of students identified under IDEA