Title: 7 Tips for Achieving Equity in Special Education - Rethink Education
Headings: 7 Tips for Achieving Equity in Special Education
7 Tips for Achieving Equity in Special Education
Why equity? Why now?
Tip 1: Principal Leadership
Tip 2: Develop Truly Individualized and Quality IEP’s
Tip 3: Use Online and Blended Learning Options
Tip 4:  Let Data Drive Instruction and Intervention
Tip 5: Thorough and Individualized Lesson Planning
Tip 6: Establish High Standards for Each Child
Tip 7: Motivation and Enthusiasm
Conclusion

Content: With equity, however, the presumption is that not all people begin from the same place – so each person is given what they need to be successful, based on their unique abilities and needs. It makes sense that equality would have been the focus over the past four decades given the Supreme Court’s establishment of the Rowley standard of 1982, which enshrined the term ‘de minimis’ education in reference to what was required from school districts serving students with disabilities. In Rowley the Court ruled that the law’s intent was not to enable students with disabilities to achieve their full potentials, but rather to give them equal and sufficient access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Ever since this decision, too many schools simply complied with paperwork requirements and provided cookie-cutter services which were anything but truly individualized. The presence alone of a disability did not mandate special education services. However, the very nature of special education is that no child is starting from the same place. With the Supreme Court’s unanimous 8-0, Endrew F. decision (2017) on the books and a new standard established which requires schools to demonstrate ‘meaningful progress’ and ‘appropriately ambitious’ goals for students with disabilities, it is time we move from focusing on equality to truly one of ensuring equity. Here are eight tips schools can put into place to ensure equity is a driving force and desired outcome for all children receiving special education services. Tip 1: Principal Leadership
Principals must take an active role in the individualized education program (IEP) process, and a leadership role within the school relative to special education.