March 22, 2023
The resources in this Spotlight aim to assist education leaders in developing and refining systems to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. They cover topics such as understanding the intersection of race and disability, planning and implementing learning acceleration for students with disabilities, and ensuring equitable funding for special education programs.
Two of the resources were developed by WestEd’s National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI). NCSI works with state education agencies (SEAs) to transform their systems into ones that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
WestEd’s Strategic Resource Management team developed the last resource, which states can draw from to inform their plans for allocating resources for students with disabilities.
Pursuing Equity for Black Students in K-12 Education: Exploring the Intersection of Race and Disability
NCSI is committed to helping SEAs and their communities to understand the intersection of race and disability in education to resolve inequities that disadvantage Black students with disabilities or who may be identified as needing special education services.
The Thought Leadership Conversation (TLC) series features conversations with experts, focusing on questions related to the intersection of race and disability in special education and education more broadly to explore ways that systems can actively improve conditions and outcomes for Black students.
Learn more about the series and view the archived sessions
Five Insights for Education Leaders About Accelerated Learning
This Fast Five paper describes the role of accelerated learning in supporting students with disabilities. The document provides considerations and ideas to help local education agencies plan for and implement accelerated learning.
Excerpt: “Prior to the pandemic, many schools had successfully implemented Multitiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks to address learning gaps. Driven by research on the benefits of accelerated learning, many state education agencies are supporting local education agencies in implementing MTSS coupled with accelerated learning. This document shares five considerations for applying accelerated learning to support the wide variation in student learning and improve achievement.”
Ensuring State Funds Reach Students in Special Education Programs
To help state-level decision-makers improve the special education funding system, WestEd conducted a two-part study that provides considerations for changes to state special education funding policy that is focused on creating a more effective funding system—a system that offers the right funding to the right agencies so that they can provide the right services to the right students. Both parts of the study also supplement broader state efforts to gather data and evidence to realign funding to the needs of students with disabilities.
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