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In this year’s State of Special Education address, I wanted to share with our lawmakers the profound impact #COVID19 has had on the special education community within our public schools.
As a former speech therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how schools offer our students in special education far more than just academics – they provide essential wraparound services to support all students' growth and success.
Many schools like @BuckeyeESD chose to prioritize special education programs, making them some of the last students to move distance learning while ensuring that onsite support services were available to students who most needed in-person support.
However, record-breaking surges of #COVID19 presented challenges, particularly for students in special education who are immunocompromised. AZ must do more to support families so that they are protected without missing academic & professional opportunities in times of illness.
As more students return to in-person learning, some will need additional targeted supports to meet critical pieces of their individualized education plans. @azedschools will provide $5 mil in #CARESAct to absorb the fiscal burden on schools providing these compensatory services.
However, CARES Act dollars are one-time relief and recovery funding, and it has always cost more to provide a high-quality education to students with learning obstacles. I urge the passage of @EngelForArizona's SB1189 to provide much-needed funding to special education programs.
Even amid COVID-19, success stories in special education are found right within our communities. Educators & families have worked together to make sure that learning – regardless of how it looks – continues.
I’m grateful for our special education community and will continue to advocate for the resources needed for all students to access a high-quality public education.
Read the full speech here
https://www.azed.gov/communications/full-text-superintendent-hoffmans-2021-state-special-education-address
Read the full speech here
https://www.azed.gov/communications/full-text-superintendent-hoffmans-2021-state-special-education-address
