A Step for Special Ed Students

In order to avoid an expensive and lengthy trial over special education students, a majority of the Los Angeles school board wants to settle quickly, comply with federal and state regulations and improve instruction for the 65,000 children involved. Certainly there’s no use in inviting long-term litigation with the federal government, as New York City has.

Under one of the recommendations by outside experts, the district would integrate more special ed students into the general system. This “mainstreaming” is in the best interest of many children with disabilities. And the decision would provide a tentative accord in a class-action lawsuit that suggested the district ran a separate and unequal system for disabled students.

A new computer system would track the progress of all students, including those with disabilities, and improve the management of special ed programs. The district also needs a better assessment process to correctly determine who belongs in special education classes, and what the student needs to succeed once he or she is placed there.

The plan presented to the board attempts to address the needs of all special education students, but two major questions must be answered before the board gives final approval. First and foremost, how much will the reforms cost and how will the fiscally strapped district pay for the improvements? Board member Julie Korenstein abstained from voting on the interim settlement because she wanted to know how much the new computer system would cost. That is a reasonable question that deserves an answer.

Board member David Tokofsky wanted to know how the special ed reforms would affect the education of the district’s other students. That too is a fundamental question that must be addressed.

The district also must figure out how to attract more special education teachers despite a national shortage. A bonus program, similar to the incentives paid bilingual teachers, is worth considering. However, the expense may limit this remedy.

Public schools systems are required to educate all students. The special education settlement, although key questions have yet to be answered, is a step in the right direction.