disabilities Archives

Mis-identifying “504-only” students

February 6, 2026 by Perry A. Zirkel, Retired Professor of Education Law

At a time of teacher shortage, high percentages of students with 504 plans contributes to current recruitment and attrition problems.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination against students and other individuals with disabilities, is far less visible than the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)…

Students with Special Needs

Modernizing the special education workforce is a national imperative

December 9, 2025 by Kevin Eberly, FillerB

Teaching vacancies are most acute in special education due to attrition, burnout, and early retirements--workforce support is critical.

America’s special education system is facing a slow-motion collapse. Nearly 8 million students now receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), but the number of qualified teachers…

Special Needs

Supporting neurodiverse learners requires more than accommodation: It demands systemic change

September 12, 2025 by Dr. Melanie Johnson, Collaborative for Children

Neurotypical students who learn alongside neurodiverse students and peers develop critical social-emotional skills.

Approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States are estimated to be neurodivergent, representing a spectrum of learning and thinking differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and…

Students with Special Needs

Learning disabilities in the classroom: What’s next?

May 28, 2025 by Bonnie Contreras, Ed.S., NCSP, Presence

While the recent months have been a flurry of news around education, we’re becoming distracted from the very real challenges students are facing in the classroom.

Students with Special Needs

As World Autism Day nears, here’s how to support neurodiverse students

March 27, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Embracing neurodiverse abilities and supporting students with autism in the classroom fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and acceptance.

The number of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities is on the rise, specifically attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

AI in Education

A virtual reality, AI-boosted system helps students with autism improve social skills

February 14, 2025 by Mike Krings, KU News Service

An immersive, authentic experience blends extended reality and real-world elements of AI to help students with autism build social skills.

For more than a decade, University of Kansas researchers have been developing a virtual reality system to help students with disabilities, especially those with autism spectrum disorder, to…

Innovative Teaching

In Wyoming, enhancing AI-human collaboration in IEP development

February 13, 2025 by Ling Zhang, Ph.D., University of Wyoming

A new AI tool can reduce excessive workloads for special education and enhance IEP quality for students with disabilities.

The University of Wyoming is utilizing its new CoIEP initiative--a multi-agent system powered by large language models (LLMs)--to significantly enhance artificial intelligence and human collaboration in addressing challenges…

Students with Special Needs

3 key steps when designing inclusive spaces in K-12 schools

January 9, 2025 by Valerie Peterson, AIA, LEED AP, & Alison Andrews, Wold Architects and Engineers

Designing inclusive K-12 education learning spaces for students with disabilities requires intentional focus and investment.

As school districts continue to evolve, a growing emphasis is placed on inclusivity in education, with many shifting toward integrating students with special education needs into general classrooms.

Students with Special Needs

Special education staffing shortages put students’ futures at risk–how to solve that is tricky

December 27, 2024 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

While the number of special education teachers has risen over the past two decades, the demand still outpaces the supply

Every year, more special education teachers quit than graduate from the nation’s teacher preparation programs, even as the number of students diagnosed with disabilities keeps rising.

Students with Special Needs

District leaders express gratitude for special education staff

November 28, 2024 by Megan Scavuzzo, Presence

Amid increasing demand for services, 'rare and wonderful' special education staff are standouts in districts across the nation.

The demand for special education services is increasing, with about 15 percent of public school students eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Innovation Insights

New Resources For Managing AI in Schools

September 26, 2024 by Kevin Hogan

CoSN and CAST last released a comprehensive report entitled “AI and Accessibility in Education.” Authored by Fernanda Pérez Perez, a recipient of The ... Read more

Online & Hybrid Learning

Virtual academies remove barriers and unlock student potential

August 30, 2024 by Adam Hawf, Stride, Inc.

Virtual academies let districts meet a range of student needs, giving each learner the opportunity to learn in the way that best suits them.

Two remarkable high school teachers changed the course of my life at a time when academics were the least of my concerns. Their belief in my potential and guidance…

Newsline

BloomBoard and Mercy University Partner to Create Accessible Teaching Pathways to Address New York’s Teacher Shortage

August 8, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Mercy University and BloomBoard, a leading talent development provider for K–12 school districts, today announced an ... Read more

Students with Special Needs

3 strategies to improve attendance for students with disabilities

July 29, 2024 by Dr. Kara Stern, SchoolStatus

For too many students with disabilities, chronic absenteeism prevents them from accessing the equitable education they deserve. Recent data shows students with disabilities miss substantially more school compared…

Students with Special Needs

Managing rising student needs under IDEA

July 15, 2024 by Lesley Slaughter, Soliant

With new guidance around monitoring IDEA, districts must understand and address service deficits around students with special needs.

Now accounting for 15 percent of total public school enrollment, the number of students requiring special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) has reached an…

Newsline

UCP of Central Florida Purchases Land in Osceola County to Expand Educational and Therapy Opportunities in Central Florida

July 8, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

ORLANDO, Fla. — UCP of Central Florida is proud to announce it has purchased land in Osceola County to further ... Read more

Students with Special Needs

Here’s how schools can better support neurodiverse students

June 18, 2024 by Hunter Wesolowski, ProCare Therapy

During Autism Pride Day, school therapy experts debunk common misconceptions about neurodiverse students in the classroom.

The number of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities is on the rise, specifically attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

CoSN Corner

Beyond the visible: Recognizing and accommodating invisible disabilities

May 13, 2024 by Don Ringelestein, CETL, Yorkville CUSD #115

More conversations are needed around access and protections for those with invisible disabilities that aren’t always addressed.

The concept of accessibility for individuals with disabilities has been an evolving journey, significantly propelled by landmark legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Newsline

Massachusetts Students Double Literacy Growth In Ignite Reading’s Tutoring Program

April 5, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

BOSTON – Ignite Reading, a national tutoring program serving 20 districts in Massachusetts, announced significant literacy gains for 4,300 K-8 ... Read more

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

3 strategies to support inclusive learning

February 5, 2024 by Lesley Slaughter

Inclusive classrooms and inclusive learning systems mean maximizing equity and access to learning--here's how to accomplish such a critical step.

To maintain an inclusive learning environment, it is critical that educators have effective strategies to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, are given the opportunity to…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

How to work for equity of access in classrooms

December 14, 2023 by Laura Ascione

Equity of access in classrooms addresses the unique needs and challenges students face to create a truly inclusive educational experience.

Ensuring equity of access in the K-12 classroom is crucial for providing all students with a fair and inclusive education. Educational disparities can exacerbate existing inequalities.

SEL Trends

Online PD helps teachers respond to bullying

September 21, 2023 by Brian Consiglio, University of Missouri

Online professional development can help teachers prevent, recognize and respond to students with disabilities encountering bullying.

Students with disabilities are often bullied and socially excluded in school at a far greater rate than their classmates. Researchers at the University of Missouri collaborated to develop…

Student Well-Being

How to build relationships with students

September 13, 2023 by Denise Whitefield, Special Education Teacher, Reading Specialist, & English Teacher, Niles West High School

Frequent, supportive check-ins can help teachers build strong relationships with students that can transcend the classroom.

One of the most important things teachers can do is to try to build relationships with students. Especially since the pandemic, schools have placed greater focus on social…

Students with Special Needs

Mobile app helps students with special needs self-monitor behavior

August 9, 2023 by Abigail Durkin, University of Missouri

A nearly $520,000 grant will help a U. Missouri researcher improve students self-regulation and independence of students with special needs.

When Sara Estrapala started her career as a high school paraeducator supporting students with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, learning disorders and challenging behaviors, she quickly recognized…

Equity, flexibility, and student well-being. That’s the science of reading

December 6, 2023August 7, 2023 by Jeff Festa

Programs built on the science of reading are proven effective in teaching readers of all levels—including Emergent Bilinguals and students ... Read more

Newsline

Connecticut State Department of Education Selects FEV Tutor for State’s New High-Dosage Tutoring Program

July 13, 2023 by ESchool News Staff

WOBURN, Mass. – The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has selected FEV Tutor as an approved tutoring service in ... Read more

Students with Special Needs

How are ELLs, students with disabilities IDed for gifted and talented?

April 5, 2023 by Laura Ascione

State policies impact representation in gifted and talented programs, and the characteristics of schools with greater enrollment challenge typical stereotypes

States with formal policies around gifted and talented programs tend to identify more English learners and students with disabilities for those programs, according to a new study from…

Academic Esports

Are you leveling up with esports?

March 13, 2023 by Eric Stender, MBA, AIA, LaBella Associates

Imagine a new school program that is gender-neutral, inclusive to students with physical disabilities, bolsters school pride through competitive meets and is eligible for full and partial scholarships…

Students with Special Needs

Don’t wait: The importance of early dyslexia intervention

December 7, 2022September 28, 2022 by Carla Moriel, Subject Matter Expert on Dyslexia, Amplio

Early dyslexia intervention can help connect students with dyslexia with interventions that are specific to their needs.

A learning disorder that can impact a child’s ability to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols—but that doesn’t affect general intelligence—dyslexia often goes unnoticed until a…

Students with Special Needs

Special education students need a whole child approach

December 7, 2022September 2, 2022 by Jillaine Berardi, Director of Learning and Design, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning Student-Based Programs, Ulster BOCES

Students with special needs were disproportionately affected by COVID-related learning disruptions--focusing on the whole child can help

In early 2020, 7.3 million students received special education services as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), according to the National Center for Education Statistics.…

Newsline

Capstone Interactive eBook Platform Relaunches With Enhanced Accessibility for Children

August 17, 2022 by ESchool News Staff

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – August 17, 2022 – Capstone, an innovative learning company merging children’s content with easy-to-use edtech tools for ... Read more

Students with Special Needs

Getting real-world experience: High schoolers design a ‘life skills’ lab for students with disabilities

December 7, 2022July 14, 2022 by Marcela Rodrigues-Sherley, Chalkbeat New York

Students at the School of Design and Construction are partnering with IKEA to build a life skills learning lab for students with disabilities

A collaboration between two schools co-located in a midtown Manhattan campus has bridged both of their missions in the most fruitful way possible: a hands-on project giving their…

Newsline

Benetech Inclusive AI Initiatives Break down Barriers to STEM

June 17, 2022 by ESchool News Staff

PALO ALTO, Calif. — June 17, 2022 —Benetech, the leading software for social good nonprofit, today announced two significant AI ... Read more

Newsline

Leading Education Organizations Applaud Spending Increase for Social and Emotional Learning in FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act

March 17, 2022 by ESchool News Staff

March 17, 2022 — The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and Committee for Children strongly applaud the ... Read more

Students with Special Needs

Virtual schools can serve students with special needs—and do it well

December 7, 2022March 8, 2022 by Kate Eberle Walker

The pandemic brought special education to the forefront of the dialogue about education, with the media focus mainly directed at sharing stories of students separated from the in-school…

Students with Special Needs

5 ways to help special education students manage testing anxiety

December 7, 2022November 3, 2021 by Rachael Storey, Consultant, Riverside Insights & Former Special Education Teacher, Michigan

Assessments can trigger negative thoughts and feelings, especially when students’ disabilities are related to anxiety—here’s how to help these students address testing anxiety in a healthy way

Testing anxiety shows itself in different ways for different students. It can range from refusing to do work, crying, hiding in the bathroom, and verbal aggression to physical…

Students with Special Needs

3 ways to support students with disabilities post-pandemic

December 7, 2022June 24, 2021 by NWEA

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2021/05/10/7-ways-to-focus-stimulus-spending-on-students-with-disabilities/

These strategies can help educators as they address the needs of students with disabilities after a year of learning during a pandemic.

Students with Special Needs

7 ways to focus stimulus spending on students with disabilities

December 7, 2022May 10, 2021 by Laura Ascione

An influx of federal dollars presents an opportunity for leaders to support students with disabilities with new policies and practices.

Newsline

Super Duper Publications Makes Finding Autism Resources Easy

January 14, 2021 by ESchool News Staff

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one out of every 54 children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum ... Read more

COVID-19 Update

Staying Connected During COVID-19 [Teacher Spotlight]: Karina Tran

September 4, 2020September 4, 2020 by Jessica Rowley

A special education teacher offers insight on navigating remote learning while maintaining student and family connections

What motivated you to become a Special Education teacher? When I was younger I didn’t know I wanted to even be a teacher, nonetheless a Special Ed teacher.…

Login