The Committee on Special Education met on November 1st, 2023, starting at 5 pm. You can view the whole video here.
There were two presentations:
- Supporting Students with Autism (you can view the presentation here starting on page 3 and the video starting here)
What the Committee Learned:
- 1/35 students are affected by autism in California, with an increase each year.
- 83% of students with disabilities graduate high school. The number is lower of students with autism at 73%.
- Ongoing training with various agencies such as SCARC, Cal State LA, and Westside Regional Center.
- Increasing positive outcomes through evidence-based practices (required by law) and selective treatments based on student needs.
- Visual supports are used instead of verbal cues but are not always effective in students with autism.
- Calming corners with visuals allows students to self-regulate, and social narratives help with emotions and social situations involving other students.
2. Fiscal Overview of Special Education (you can view the presentation here, starting on page 32 and the video starting here)
What the Committee Learned:
- Although LAUSD enrollment has declined by about 300K, the percentage of students with disabilities has increased from 11.5 to 15.9%.
- The overall special education budget is $2.1 billion.
- 59% of special education funding comes from the general fund, which is (1.2 million), while only 7% comes from federal funding which is ($133 million)
- $100 million of the budget goes to charter schools due to SELPA.
- Due to this, funding from the state has declined because the same funding model remains. Fewer students mean less money, even if there is a higher rate of students with disabilities.
NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 5 p.m.