Special education would get big boost under Biden proposal

In a rare move by a presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden detailed his plans this month calling for full federal funding of special education — something that hasn’t happened since Congress first passed sweeping legislation for students with disabilities 45 years ago.

In California, that could mean an additional $2.66 billion for schools annually, according to the California School Boards Association.

The extra money would give schools leeway in their budgets for other programs, and improve special education offerings in districts that have struggled to meet the needs of students with disabilities, advocates said. This flexibility would be especially valuable as schools navigate budget cuts and distance learning during the pandemic.

https://edsource.org/2020/special-education-would-get-big-boost-under-biden-proposal/634543