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E-mail StoryOfficials move to aid special education funding
Politicians take note of dramatic surge in autism diagnoses
| Saturday, Mar 10 2007 8:10 PM
Last Updated: Friday, Mar 16 2007 5:39 PM
The number of autism diagnoses has skyrocketed in recent years -- and politicians are taking note.
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A number of state politicians have taken action recently in hopes of addressing special education funding, research and services.
Here is some of what's going on:
Funding
Special education is costing more than in the past and each level of government -- state and federal governments and local school districts -- wants the other to pay.
All three pay for special education now. But state and federal funding aren't keeping up with the growth in autism diagnoses for a host of political reasons.
That leaves local school districts to make up the difference.
"It means the district has less money to spend on other programs," said Kern High School District Special Education Manager Steve Moyer.
That's why educators want the state and federal government to pay more into special education.
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which Congress passed in 1975, the federal government is supposed to fund about 40 percent of special education. In reality, the federal government funds less than 20 percent. The government always meant for local school districts to pay some money into special education, Moyer said, but what school districts are paying in now is higher than in recent years.
That's partly because of the sharp increase in autism diagnoses.
It's also partly because California schools are getting less COLA or cost of living adjustment money for special education this school year. Each year the state gives school districts COLA, which is a combination of state and federal money to help districts keep up with inflation.
This year, the amount of federal funds for COLA is lower, said California Legislative Analyst's Office senior analyst Paul Warren. In the past, the state made up the difference when federal funds were low, but not anymore because of a recent change in the law.
The state would rather use its money on other programs, and so would school districts. Each wants someone else to pay.
State Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Newark, introduced a bill in the state Assembly Feb. 22 that would force the state to make up federal shortfalls when it comes to special education COLA.
Research
The California Department of Education has also started to take action.State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell convened the state's first Autism Advisory Committee Feb. 26.
The committee's job is to think of ways to better give information to schools, parents and their families about autism research, education and services. The committee must report its recommendations to state lawmakers by Nov. 1.
Services, funding and programs
The state Senate passed a resolution in September 2005 to create a Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.
The 16-member commission's job is to study and investigate early identification of autism spectrum disorders and gaps in programs, services and funding.
The commission must report its findings and recommendations to the governor and state lawmakers by Sept. 30 of this year.