May 24, 2018, WIZM Radio, La Crosse, WI: Minnesota school districts struggle to fund special education http://www.1410wizm.com/index.php/home-m/item/33631-minnesota-school-districts-struggle-to-fund-special-education Special education is one of the most costly aspects struggling with funding across school districts in Minnesota. Districts have increased spending by 26 percent over the last decade. La Crescent-Hokah School District superintendent Kevin Cardille says they aren't immune in taking losses. … About 200 students are taking special education courses. Funding for those services have jumped sharply in recent years, and more funding from the state’s legislature has been tough to come by. “We tend to be drawing in and have more and more special needs students,” Cardille said. “But, it's stressful on our budget. Cardille added that there are state requirements about what services need to be provided. The funding doesn't match them.
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.