14-04-2025
Connecticut celebrates special education on National IEP Writing Day
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) — The state celebrated National IEP Writing Day on Monday. IEP stands for Individualized Education Program, and those programs form the backbone of special education in Connecticut.
But in celebrating the day, experts are also talking about how the state's special education system is badly in need of reform.
Gov. Ned Lamont signs $40M special education funding bill
Just two months ago, Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill allocating an extra $40 million for special education. This month, educators and politicians are celebrating one of the uses for that money: the IEP.
'They are personalized plans designed by teams of parents, educators, and students to meet each learner's unique needs,' Dep. Commissioner Sinthia Sone-Moyano of the Connecticut Department of Education said.
That means every single IEP is different for every student.
'They are a vital tool that helps ensure that every student receives the education that is personalized to them that they need to thrive,' Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz (D-CT) said at a press conference at New Britain High School Monday.
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New Britain has one of the largest high schools in the state, but even a school that large size does not have the resources needed to deal with all the different special needs of students. That means it has to send some students out of the district, and that costs money.
'Here in New Britain, we're anticipating $3 million additional to be spent on outplacements next year,' New Britain Consolidated School District Superintendent Tony Gasper said. 'That's despite all of our best efforts to serve these students right here close to home, which of course, we'd prefer.'
Every district would prefer to keep students in the district. A legislative subcommittee has been going across the state talking to people about the needs and costs of special education.
'And one thing we realized is we have to do something right now because we are getting to a crisis point,' State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-22nd district) said. 'Not only with rising costs, but with workload burdens…'
There will be a legislative hearing on special education next Monday, April 21.
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