Are you the parent of a child with autism or another disability that is frustrated by the special education system? In Fort Bend ISD, the shortage has put so much pressure on the district, that leaders say they may not be able to keep up with the demand, and they may have to provide make-up services to children who aren’t evaluated within the state-mandated timelines, according to Deena Hill, the executive director of student support services.

Some have their own classrooms and teach only special education students; others work as special education resource teachers and offer individualized help to students in general education classrooms; still others teach together with general education teachers in classes including both general and special education students.

Four decades ago the ground-breaking law of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) began to take effect and help ensure that more than six million students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate education, which means they too get to be included in with the general education population.

The Special Education Program focuses its resources on the preparation of professional practitioners who are knowledgeable in the fields of child and adolescent development as well as the cognitive, educational, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities.

The National Support System for Special Needs Education (Statped) is managed by the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training The general objective for Statped is to give guidance and support to those in charge of the education in municipalities and county administrations to ensure that children, young people and adults with major and special educational needs are secured well-advised educational and developmental provisions.