It’s a question where those most affected by it, may not be able to ask it. So the state is asking for them. A governor’s commission has requested the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to investigate the state administered schooling program for severely disabled students. Right now, 36 state schools offer specialized programs for 1,000 severely disabled students. But the Department’s assistant commissioner for special ed points out not all severely disabled students are segregated. In fact, 300 severely disabled students attend regular public schools in 60 local districts. The Department is taking a look at other state programs, conducting focus groups, and comparing costs of students educated in state schools versus local schools to decide what kind of program is best for these special students.
Related web sites:
DESE website for special education