What can states do to improve special education at the local level? A conversation with Rorie Fitzpatrick

Abstract

Rorie Fitzpatrick of the National Center for Systemic Improvement talks with Kappan about the challenges states face when trying to ensure students with disabilities are receiving effective special education services. Funding and staffing are ongoing difficulties, and COVID brought some teacher recruitment and retention efforts to a halt. She suggests that districts adopt a multitiered system of support to better identify students needing support and reduce improper over-identification of students of color as needing services.