FYI from BSF, 04.08.22
A Special Need
Special education is getting some attention in Boston right now.
Described as being in “disarray,” it is likely being considered during a current state review of Boston Public Schools (which may or may not result in state receivership). Inclusion, the model wherein students with special education needs are taught alongside all of their peers, is a central issue in the current impasse in contract negotiations between BPS and the Boston Teachers Union.
The term “special education” is broad, belying the range of assets and needs of classified children. “Special education” applies to a student spending her whole day with her peers, with sometime support from an aide or a specialist, and also to a student enrolled in a residential, private facility. The only unifying principle is the classification itself, that a group of adults assessed a child, determined a disability, and enumerated a set of services. This activity creates a contract of sorts (“individualized education plan” or “IEP”) that is backed by state and federal law.
That complexity noted, what are some of the facts/trends in special education in Boston?
Long-term enrollment decline in Boston Public Schools has resulted in a greater concentration of special needs students.
The 18% decline displayed above was largely driven by a decrease in general education students. The number of special education students did also decline, but at a slower rate (~8%). As a result, 2022 reports the highest percentage of special education students (21.9%) over the past 15 years.
During the same time period, special education identification across Massachusetts also increased, tracking Boston.
Despite a decrease in special education students in Boston, spending and staffing has dramatically increased.
The proposed FY23 budget calls for more than 3,700 special education staff positions and over $350M in spending. If special education students in Boston were their own district, it would have the fourth largest budget in the state.
Significant investments have not yet resulted in significant changes in student outcomes for special education students.
Compared to their peers across Massachusetts, Boston’s special education students attend school less, have less access to rigorous coursework, and have a more narrow path to postsecondary and career success.
The desired characteristics of Boston’s new superintendent form a lengthy list, with but one short reference to special education.
For more than 10,000 children, for more than $0.25 of every dollar spent, it requires more time and attention.
Reopening Boston, MA, and Beyond
School-reported COVID cases increased by more than 15% again this week; student cases in Boston doubled from last week.
Cases were referenced in Wednesday’s Boston School Committee, still high enough to continue the mask mandate. The majority of the meeting was focused on the superintendent search, with a search firm selected. Will chocolate milk make the final criteria? Looks like there may be an opening in Chicopee, too. Other items and all meeting materials here.
The last two years created a massive disruption in enrollment (read: ebb in some places, flow in others) across the country.
The federal government will keep resources coming - student loan pauses and universal school meals - for now.
Other Matters
As promised, Boston is moving towards an all-electric bus fleet.
Roxbury Prep’s long quest for a high school building may be over.
How will the state intervene given the rise of hazing/hate in Massachusetts high school sports?
A nice April Fools' joke, care of the Adams in East Boston.
