Special education post-pandemic — what and how?

School crossing signs. See US in bottom right corner!

Many thoughtful and concerned people are asking this vital question here in the USA — especially now that we have a new administration in Washington and possibly a new Education Department Secretary, Miguel Cardona. Here are my thoughts –as of now. I’ll write more about this, of course.

As a passionate supporter of public schools since the time I arrived as a nine-year-old immigrant who spoke NO English — on an ocean liner that docked in Hoboken, New Jersey and, within months, was lucky to attend New Jersey’s then wonderful public schools, I know that we need to fix special education without delay. Also ask any superintendent!

Let’s start here. Today’s headlines tell us three very critical and disturbing facts about our public schools.

First, public school student enrollment is down — across the board, with special declines at kindergarten levels. Many parents are not sending their children to school. Instead, they are seeking and creating other options for them.

Second, state and local funding for public education is far down. All those businesses that were forced to close because of the pandemic, all the stay-at-home orders are leading to less tax revenue. In fact…