In Arizona, the persistent shortage of qualified teachers poses significant challenges, particularly for our most vulnerable students – those with special needs who require specialized support and expertise. The critical shortage of highly trained professionals in Special Education has not only strained educational resources but also threatened the quality of education mandated by federal law.
Despite ongoing efforts to address special education services in Arizona, their impact remains limited due to foundational issues including the state’s public school funding formula. An essential component of this formula is the allocation of funds for special education, which directly affects both the quality and availability of services for students with special needs. Arizona must examine and reform the public-school funding system developed in the 1980s, to ensure adequate resources support this critical sector of education
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To visit our Special Education Data companion piece, please click here.
