The Current “State” of Special Education Is Not Sustainable…

to explore, learn and implement these materials with little to no support. Curriculum implementation often fails without admin- istrative guidance and support. In a report from ED Reports and RAND (2021-2023) it was found that over 60% of US school districts reported challenges with professional development and support when implement- ing new materials (https://edreports.org). With this high percent- age of challenge, it is not surprising to see offerings fail or just be abandon early in the adoption process. That’s why Boom Learning is in the process of developing Boom Training Academy, a comprehensive training program de- signed to fully support current and new teachers adopting Boom Cards and Boom Passport with online and in person training modules. Stefanie Claros, the Boom Training Academy Manager, says, “No matter where an educator or district is in the adoption process, our goal is to provide targeted, practical support. Prod- uct training is only the beginning. Our goal is to partner with educators to build confidence and consistency because true suc- cess comes from shared investment and ongoing. BOOM LEARNING SUPPORTS COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS Waiting to address the issue that new teachers do not get enough exposure or training with quality content, Boom Learn- ing works closely with university programs across the US. Boom Learning believes in supporting students studying to become special education teachers by offering their professors the abil- ity to provide them free access to a Boom Cards account during their university training. This offering is designed to allow special educator candidates to learn and explore curricula designed to meet the needs of K-Transition level students and their cognitive, social and/or academic needs. To get more information about this offering, follow this link (Boom Learning University Sign Up). This free program allows professors and students to explore grade-level, differentiated and age-appropriate content offered in Boom Passport to give students exposure and instructional training. IN SUMMARY As stated from the start of this article,“the issue is easy to state, easy to see, easy to speak of, but VERY hard to solve”. The solution to this academic crisis is not easy. The United States educational community is educating/training fewer special education teach- ers, there is an increase in identification of students with special needs, lack of federal and LEA funding, lack of educator pay, lack of quality administrative support and a lack of quality and in- structional tools within the schools and classrooms. Boom Learn- ing is attempting to support educators, administrators and relat- ed service professionals with quality content, data tools, training and implementation support, but in isolation it is an uphill climb. In an effort to bring these deficits to light, below are possible solutions that could be (or should be) addressed and/or imple-

mented at the Federal or LEA level, but as stated previously there is not a“one size fits all solution”to this educational crisis. Districts need to analyze where and what their hurdles are and to work on minimizing their impact to support their educators and students. SYSTEMIC FUNDING REFORMS Increased Federal IDEA Funding o Fully fund the federal commitment to cover 40% of spe- cial education costs (currently closer to ~13%). State-Level Investment Incentives o tates must create funding formulas that adjust for rising student needs, including mental health and neurodiver- gent profiles. Outcome-Based Grant Programs o Tie funding to measurable improvements in inclusion, outcomes, and staffing retention. Predictable, Multi-Year Funding o Schools need predictable funding cycles for long-term planning, staffing, and programs. TEACHER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Teacher Recruitment Incentives o Scholarships, loan forgiveness, and housing assistance for special education teachers. Retention Programs o Mentorship, support staff (e.g., aides, paraprofessionals), and mental health resources for special educators. Alternative Certification Paths o Fast-track, high-quality licensure programs for career changers and paraprofessionals. SERVICE DELIVERY MODERNIZATION Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) o Implement strong general education interventions to re- duce over-identification. Expanded Early Intervention Services o Invest in birth-to-5 services to address learning needs early and reduce later cost-intensive placements. Teletherapy and Hybrid Support Models o Leverage online services to reach underserved and rural populations.. DATA & ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEMS Unified State-Level Data Systems o Track student needs, identification trends, and funding gaps across districts. Root Cause Analysis Tools o Identify why identification is increasing: academic gaps, trauma, language barriers, etc. Transparent Budget Reporting o Ensure clarity on how much is spent on special education and where gaps persist.

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