Department of Education warns states not to waive requirements for special education teachers

With a widespread shortage of special educators, the U.S. Department of Education is reminding states that relaxing standards is not an option. (Mark Van Saioc/Shutterstock)

Federal officials are telling states not to lower their expectations of teacher qualifications even as schools struggle to fill special education vacancies.

According to new guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, states cannot use temporary or emergency status to lower the standards that teachers working with children with disabilities must meet.

In a four-page memo sent this month to the state’s Director of Special Education, Department of Education officials looked at media reports and reviewed policies and procedures that may not be compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I have indicated what I have heard from states and advocates about

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The guidance acknowledges that the state faces challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated the shortage of special educators, but that is no reason to lower standards, officials said.

According to the correspondence, IDEA requires that both special education teachers and related service providers be “properly and appropriately prepared and trained.”

“Public school special education teachers are not exempt from emergency, temporary, or interim special education certification or licensing requirements. They must have at least a bachelor’s degree.

This rule applies to public elementary, middle, and high school special education teachers.

There are some exceptions. Charter school teachers are subject to slightly different rules, the memo said. Also, in some cases, individuals who do not have state certification as a special education teacher, but who meet certain requirements and participate in a program that provides an alternative route to special education teacher certification, You may be eligible to teach children with disabilities in public schools.

Relevant service personnel must also meet all state licensing or certification requirements applicable to that discipline, and such standards cannot be waived “urgently, temporarily, or provisionally.”

“Properly trained and supervised associate professionals and assistants, in accordance with state laws, regulations, or written policies, to assist in the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities. ,” Williams wrote.

This memo is due to a national shortage of special educators. Federal data released late last month showed that 53% of public schools report feeling understaffed from 2022 when the 2023 school year begins. Among these schools, special education teachers were the most understaffed positions.

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