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)
- Joint Assembly Bill 35 - School Funding
This resolution calls for changing the way public schools are funded. Supporters are commited to developing a new financing formula. [More on Joint Assembly Bill 35 ]
Outcome: Failed to get out of the Assembly committee on Education reform. - Joint Senate Bill 27 - School Funding
This is a companion resolution to AJR 35. It calls for developing a new funding formula for public schools. [More on Joint Senate Bill 27 ]
Outcome: Referred to the Senate committee on Education. Hearing held. Failed to get out of committee. - Senate Bill 40 - Biennial Budget
This bill is Gov. Doyle's proposed budget. It covers all state spending and revenue. [More on Senate Bill 40 ]
Outcome: This bill was signed into law on 10-26-07 and became Act 20. - Senate Bill 42 - Bullying
Directs the Dept. of Public Instruction (DPI) to develop a model school policy on bullying students by other students. [More on Senate Bill 42 ]
Outcome: Had a Senate hearing, passed out of committee, and passed the Senate. It was referred to the Assembly where it had a hearing, passed out of committee but never had a vote by the full Assembly.
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: shawj2@dhfs.state.wi.us
Fax: (608) 267-3906
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