Students, parents, and educators in California are feeling a bit lost and worried about proposed changes to special education at the federal level. With 850,000 students in California alone with disabilities, there are serious concerns about how federal proposals could impact the quality of education for these students. The current administration’s push to transfer oversight of special education from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services has left many scratching their heads and fearing for the future.
Under the proposed changes, there are worries that federal funding for special education will be consolidated, reducing oversight and giving more control to local governance. While some experts believe that federal funding itself is not at risk, they are concerned about the potential negative impact on students with disabilities. The move to dismantle the Department of Education and shift oversight to a health agency has raised alarms among advocates, parents, and educators who fear that a medical model will replace the current inclusive education approach.
Javier Arroyo, a parent whose son attends Kern County’s Richland School District, is concerned about the uncertainty surrounding his son’s education. With federal cuts already affecting disabled students and the proposed changes looming, Arroyo, like many others, is unsure about what lies ahead. The potential “brain drain” from the Department of Education, coupled with reduced oversight and funding consolidation, has left many wondering about the future of special education in the country. Despite the bipartisan support historically enjoyed by special education, the proposed changes have sparked fear and confusion among students, parents, and educators alike.
