Special
Education
The school funding system has hurt the education of all children by not providing enough funding to school districts for special education services.
- About the issue
- Why does this matter to people with disabilities?
- Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue?
- Who can I contact with my questions?
- Background Information For This Issue
About the issue: (Top of page)
Both Wisconsin and federal special education laws passed in the 1970’s that guarantee a free appropriate public education (K-12) for students with disabilities. Many children with disabilities in Wisconsin still struggle to receive that guarantee. The struggle seems to happen because school districts lack adequate funds in their special education budgets.
Both federal and state governments have not kept up their special education funding commitments. In addition, over the past ten years state laws have put caps on general education funds. This combination has had the effect of limiting both general and special education budgets. Now most school districts are struggling to meet the needs of all students.
School districts are required to meet the educational needs of special education students. Since their budgets have been shrinking, they have used general education funds to fill the shortfall. Because of this there is often a tension that pits teachers and administrators against one another, as well as parents against one another.
These unhealthy tensions could increase as school districts are forced to use limited general education funds to fund special education. If school districts are unwilling to use general education funds for special education, they may fail to comply with special education laws and not provide adequate education to children with disabilities.
Why does this matter to people with disabilities? (Top of page)
It appears that the way our schools are funded is broken or at least needs to be addressed. Schools should have a budgeting system that accounts for the educational needs of all students and is equal to all. Several funding proposals have been introduced in the past several years, but none have passed and the system continues to decline.
Failure to address the way schools are funded will only allow all students to receive less than the best education. Without adequate funding for special education, students with disabilities will continue to lack the necessary support to ensure their educational success.
Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue? (Top of page)
- Assembly Bill 40 - Biennial Budget Request
The most important bill of the legislative session, the biennial budget bill determines how much funding programs serving people with disabilities will receive for the next two years. The bill also makes important policies and funding decisions in other a [More on Assembly Bill 40 ]
Outcome: Introduced and referred to the Joint Finance Committee. - Assembly Bill 68 - Mandatory Child Abuse Reporters
This bill makes all public school employees mandatory child abuse and neglect reporters and requires those employees to receive training. It also prohibits those who make a child abuse or neglect report in good faith from being discharged or disciplined. [More on Assembly Bill 68 ]
Outcome: Hearing will be held May 3, 2011 - Assembly Bill 75 - Special Olympics Tax Check Off
Allows donations to be made to the Special Olympics through an income tax check off. [More on Assembly Bill 75 ]
Outcome: Introduced April 7, 2011 - Assembly Bill 110 - Special Needs School Vouchers
Creates a special needs voucher program that children with disabilities can use to attend private schools. The legislation is modeled after Florida, where the result was segregated schools that turned away students with the most significant needs. Parents [More on Assembly Bill 110 ]
Outcome: Hearing on May 3, 2011 before Assembly Committee on Education. - Senate Bill 2 - Open School Enrollment Program
This bill changes the application dates for students who want to go to school in a different school district. [More on Senate Bill 2 ]
Outcome: Amended and passed the State Senate. Hearing held in Assembly. - Senate Bill 27 - Biennial Budget Request
The most important bill of the legislative session, the biennial budget bill determines how much funding programs serving people with disabilities will receive for the next two years. The bill also makes important policies and funding decisions in other a [More on Senate Bill 27 ]
- Senate Bill 42 - Mandatory Child Abuse Reporters
This bill makes all public school employees mandatory child abuse and neglect reporters and requires those employees to receive training. It also prohibits those who make a child abuse or neglect report in good faith from being discharged or disciplined. [More on Senate Bill 42 ]
Outcome: Referred to Committee. - Senate Bill 69 - Private School Tuition
Creates a non-refundable individual income tax credit for tuition expenses for children attending private K-12 schools. The amount of the tax credit is phased in over time. Providing incentives for parents to enroll their children in private schools drain [More on Senate Bill 69 ]
Outcome: Introduced April 21, 2011
Who can I contact with my questions? (Top of page)
John Shaw
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
201 W. Washington Avenue
Madison WI 53703-2796
Phone: Voice (608) 266-7707; TDD (608) 266-6660
Email: John1.Shaw@wisconsin.gov
Fax: (608) 267-3906
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