How WA lawmakers are looking to improve K-12 special education
Washington House lawmakers this week advanced three proposals meant to increase special education funding and make it easier for parents of children with disabilities to hold schools accountable for failing to provide adequate services.
The bills come as lawmakers again look to increase the percentage of a district’s population that can receive extra dollars for special education services. Under current law, the state only provides additional funding for up to 15% of a district’s student population. House lawmakers want to raise that figure to 17.25%, but whether that happens will depend on budget negotiations with the Senate in the days ahead. The Senate’s initial budget plan included a bump to 15.6%.
The three bills making progress in the House have already passed through the Senate, all on unanimous votes.
Parental complaints
Under federal law, every child eligible for special education must receive an individualized education plan, or IEP, that outlines a child’s accommodations and services. Parents who believe a school is not following a child’s IEP or meeting federal and state civil rights requirements can request what’s known as a special education due process hearing.
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https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/02/21/wa-lawmakers-look-to-improve-k-12-special-education/