Despite the pandemic, Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said students in special education have continued learning. During her State of Special Education address to the House Education Committee on Tuesday, Hoffman cited Buckeye Elementary School District, the Foundation for Blind Children and Patagonia Public Schools as examples of organizations that have adapted to the challenges of COVID-19 and found new, innovative ways to support students through things like hybrid instruction, overly descriptive and verbal online lessons and a resource room reimagined as an online support center.
But she also acknowledged the challenges some families and students have faced during this time when in-person learning opportunities have been limited because of high COVID-19 spread or families opting for distance learning for safety reasons.
But when they are finally able to return to the classroom, Hoffman said these students will need additional support to meet their individualized learning plans.
“Anticipating this as a critical need, the Arizona Department of Education has set aside $5 million of CARES Act funding to absorb some of the financial costs for schools to provide compensatory education services.”
But Hoffman said this money, which is one-time funding specifically meant for pandemic-related expenses, won’t be enough to cover schools’ budgets.
She urged lawmakers to support bills that make investments in areas of public education.
“Without sustainable funding, the experience of students in special education will be limited," Hoffman said. "It always costs more to provide a high-quality education to students with learning obstacles, which has only become more apparent during COVID-19.”
Hoffman applauded a bill by state Sen. Kirsten Engel which would provide a much-needed sustainable increase to special education funding and appropriate $5 million to the Extraordinary Special Education Needs Fund, and another by state Rep. Lorenzo Sierra that would provide funding for pre-K programs.
