CEC Policy Insider

The Governors’ Agenda: Early Childhood Programs

Ranking high on the campaign platform during the recent mid-term election was the expansion of childcare ad early education programs for many states governors. The trend was bipartisan, cutting across all party lines as a recent poll found that majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents all support increased appropriations, access, and affordability. Gubernatorial candidates’ emphasis on child care and early education in this election cycle reflects the stressors families face in being able provide quality childcare and early education for their children.

Happy Thanksgiving from CEC!

CEC would like to thank all special and gifted educators and early interventionists across the country and around the globe for your continuous hard work and dedication to improving the lives and opportunities for children and youth with disabilities and gifts and talents. It is through your countless hours and commitment that children and youth have the opportunity to flourish, expand their horizons and use their education to explore, learn and grow. On this Thanksgiving eve, we are thankful for you! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

The Need for Local Special Education Administrators

The CEEDAR Center recently published Responding to the Need for New Local Special Education Administrators: A Case Study. As the pipeline of emerging leaders has received scant attention, the case study addresses the shortages of LSEA. Recently, LSEA leadership has become even more important as national attention has focused on student outcomes as well as procedural compliance in special education. Well-prepared LSEAs are able to advise districts on selection of research-based practices, support principals in planning for and implementing these practices, help develop instructional capabilities of staff, consult on implementation of multi-tiered systems for instruction and behavior support, help principals create and use data systems for tracking individual student progress, and help schools sustain innovations through transitions in principal leadership. The case study describes the State of Washington’s approach and initial results to addressing these challenges.

GAO Findings on Pre-Employment Transition Services

The GAO recently published the findings on its survey regarding pre-employment transition services for young adults with disabilities. Seventy-four state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies responded to GAO's survey. Most reported on the expansion of services to students with disabilities transition under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted in July 2014. State agencies also reported serving more students and providing work-based learning experiences and other activities, referred to as pre-employment transition services. The GAO conducted this study as states are required to reserve at least 15 percent of their total State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program funds to provide pre-employment transition services to help students with disabilities transition from school to work. Read the survey findings and GAO recommendations for executive action.

National PTA and Safe and Supportive Schools

The National PTA has created two resources for both parents and families regarding school safety. The resource Safe and Supportive Schools: 20 Questions Every Parent Should Ask provides parents and families with actionable steps they can take to advocate for safe and supportive schools for their children based upon  Framework for Safe and Successful Schools by the National Association of School Psychologists. The resource advises parents on which questions they should ask regarding school safety policies and student support services and provides “tips” and answers to expect based on best practices.

The  second resource  Safe and Supportive Schools: Mobilizing Family Stakeholders educates families on how to become active advocates for safe school environments. The three steps advised:

1. Get in the Know – be a proactive learner when it comes to educating yourself about school safety;
2. Ask Questions – speak to school administrators about the safety plan; and
3. Take Action – get involved.