By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.
Last week, I wrote a blog post titled, “Addressing Staffing Shortages in Special Education,” which focused on ways that school districts can successfully recruit special education teachers during a shortage. Well, as a follow-up piece, this week I’m focusing on what parents can do to successfully advocate for their child’s needs during a special education teacher shortage.
A shortage in special education teachers is overwhelming for any parent, but by using proactive advocacy, you can get everything your child needs. There are various options available to you that can bridge any gaps in your child’s education.
1. Know Your Child’s Rights
Become informed about your child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is a federal law that entitles your child to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Even during a teacher shortage, schools are required to implement your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
2. Open Dialogue with the School
Schedule an appointment with school officials, such as the principal and the special education coordinator, to discuss how the teacher shortage will affect your child. Describe your concerns to these school officials and ask specific questions about what strategies they are using to deal with the issue. You should also ask about temporary solutions, such as hiring paraprofessionals, giving general education teachers additional training, or adding part-time staff.
3. Consider Temporary Solutions
Work with the IEP team to change your child’s accommodations, goals, or objectives, if needed. For instance, if direct time with the special education teacher is limited, you may want to request additional support services, such as extra one-on-one time with an aide, supplementary therapies, or assistive technology to ensure your child continues making academic progress.
4. Seek Community-Based Services
Seek out community-based services to add support. Local organizations, private tutors, or therapists may offer programs that align with your child’s educational needs. Some states also provide financial aid or scholarships to help families access these resources during teacher shortages.
5. Establish a Parent Advocacy Group
Join parent advocacy groups or online forums to connect with other parents to advise each other, share resources, start an advocacy campaign, or work together to solve problems that arise in special education. When parents unite, their concerns are amplified and more likely to be heard by the school district, which may bring about lasting and effective change.
6. Advocate in the Community
If your concern still is not addressed, consider taking it to the legislature, whether at the district or state level. Take action, such as attending a school board meeting, writing letters to education officials, lobbying local politicians, or participating in an advocacy campaign. These activities can help bring attention to the teacher shortage issue or whatever issue is not being addressed due to the shortage. Supporting long-term solutions, such as more funding or increased hiring incentives for special education teachers may also be helpful.
7. Support Your Child at Home
While it is important to ensure that your child’s school has every resource possible, it is also important to make sure your child is reinforcing what they learn at school when they get home. Use educational activities and techniques that suit their interests and abilities. Stay in regular contact with their teachers or teacher aides so that you can work together on learning strategies that can be incorporated at home and in school.
Conclusion
While a shortage of special education teachers can be challenging to address, there are several steps that parents can take to ensure their child is well-positioned to learn. By learning about your child’s rights, opening dialogue with the school, considering temporary solutions, seeking community-based services, establishing a parent advocacy group, advocating in the community, and supporting your child at home, parents can effectively fill in the gap caused by a special education teacher shortage to ensure your child gets the education and supports they deserve and are entitled to receive.
