New York’s New Education Plan for Students with Disabilities

Public schools in New York will be offering more classes for students with disabilities this coming fall. One of the major reasons for this event is the Individualized Education Program (IEP). This program is a guiding document designed to help students with disabilities with their educational needs.  For each child, the program will identify goals, objectives, present levels of performance, and related services. The United States Department of Education considers the IEP a cornerstone of quality education for students with disabilities.

Currently more than 145,000 students attending public schools are in the IEP. For the next school year, the program will be offered to more students. It will start with students enrolling in kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade.

However, for advocates, parents, and educators there are still concerns regarding the potential lack of support. Shael Polakow-Suransky, the Education Department’s chief academic officer, is stressing the importance of everyone being in the same boat. The program will not be effective if parents and schools are not in agreement. Some parents worry that by sending students with disabilities to community public schools, the level of education provided will vary from institution to institution. Some advocates are stressed about the extra training that will be involved. Still, Mr. Polakow-Suransky is positive there will be support for these schools. Currently, there are staff trainings and hired specialists working in school support networks.

He hopes that the new special education reform will have a long-term effect in the future. It may help close the achievement gaps between students with disabilities and those without.

Creative Commons Love: Inkyhack on Flickr.com

Written by Sera Yoo