Special education is a disproportionately costly feature of public and private education, but for good reason. Personalized education services, therapies, and specialized training can allow students to thrive within the constraints of a disability, but this requires ample funding. Fortunately, disabled students in Washington may benefit from a proposed funding influx in 2024 (and beyond).

You can take advantage of increased funding by lobbying for your student to receive extensive, cutting-edge resources. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can assist in this mission to maximize your students' success, so call us today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online.

Special Education Changes Proposed by Washington's Chief of Public Schools

Washington Superintendent Chris Reykdal made several special-education-specific proposals to special education in his "State of Education" address, with proposals including:

• That broader budget cuts do not adversely affect the quality of special education in Washington state
• To continue protecting the civil rights of students with disabilities
• To continue increasing the percentage of total funding that school districts can spend on special education (the cap increased from 13.5% to 15% in 2023)
• To fund special education through local school bonds, which have traditionally been used for other means (like constructing new buildings)

The general theme of the proposals is more funding for special education. This is undoubtedly positive for students with disabilities, but we need to ensure it is positive for your student specifically.

Take Full Advantage of Washington's Expanded Special Ed Funding

General funding increases for special education do not necessarily mean a better learning experience for your student—not unless you guarantee that it does. The governor's proposed funding boost for special education could, if you ensure it, result in:

• The formation of an updated individualized education plan (IEP) that reflects expanded resources and opportunities
• The assignment of more in-class aides, therapists, pathologists, and other human resources to your student
• More robust training for your student's post-educational ambitions (like job training)
• Other improvements in your student's educational experience

Federal laws like the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) (and state legislation) guarantee students with disabilities wide-ranging rights, including the right to reasonable accommodations. However, administrators and educators do not always honor these rights until prompted to do so.

The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team actively ensures that students with disabilities receive personal attention in the classroom, ample therapeutic services, and training to help them thrive into adulthood. We will work to ensure the same benefits for your student in Washington.

Hire the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team to Maximize Your Student's Resources

Whether a state is facing a budgetary crunch or is actively expanding funding for special education, we know that the quality of special ed varies on a case-by-case basis. For this reason, the Lento Law Firm represents specific guardians and students to ensure they receive the best education possible.

Call the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to discuss how we can assist you and your student.