As schools grapple with a growing number of students with disabilities and a decrease in overall funding, they must invest in preschool and early intervention, panelists said Thursday at an EdSource roundtable. The number of students enrolled in California schools is declining, leaving schools with less money. At the same time, the number of students qualifying for special education has increased, especially in the early grades. “We have lots of young learners with lots of needs, and right now almost none of the revenue generated is targeted at preschool and early childhood experiences,” said Anjanette Pelletier, an expert on special education finance and director of management consulting services for School Services of California, Inc. In addition to Pelletier, the panel brought together a parent, a student and a special education teacher to discuss how rising costs and declining revenue are affecting special education and what schools can do about it. Rising costs, declining revenue The budget squeeze on special education affects all students, panelists said. The federal government has never fulfilled its promise to provide 40% of funding for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a 1975 law that requires schools to provide support for students with disabilities. It currently provides less than 13%. Since schools are obligated to provide services, they end up moving general education funding into special education. Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a $509 million increase in state funding for students with disabilities. But for many districts, the increase still won’t cover…
