Special Education Demands Special Priority — More Funding Please!

By Keva Rale

Special education in public schools is a topic that is very close to my heart.

My mother is a speech pathologist at my local elementary school and my sister has been in the special education system her entire life. Growing up, I witnessed how difficult it was for my mother to be both a special education teacher and the parent of a child with intense special needs. Had it not been for our school district’s well-funded special education system, I do not believe either my mother or my sister would be as happy and healthy as they are now. My sister was nurtured and patiently guided by skilled therapists and teachers who were given the resources they needed to help her succeed. Although she still suffers from developmental delays, she is extremely lucky to have grown up among educators who were able to prioritize her needs. 

Special education students such as my sister exist across the country, but because of underfunded public education systems, many of them are diagnosed far too late or not given access to sufficient resources.

For example, the speech pathologist in my neighboring school district, one which is significantly underfunded, has been on leave for multiple months with no sign of being replaced. I doubt she ever will be, and the hundreds of students that rely on her for support will suffer as a result. In California, a state which ranks well below the national average in per pupil funding, students who require special education are often left behind or neglected in school districts that lack the resources and funding to support their development.

California must prioritize special education and direct more government funding to special needs students and educators across the state. All students, especially those who are the most vulnerable, deserve a fighting chance at success!