S. Portland, ME: SPED increases from 17.2% to 18.4 in 3 years

Jan 23, 2018, South Portland (ME) Herald: English language learners, students receiving special education increase in South Portland https://www.pressherald.com/2018/01/23/english-language-learners-students-receiving-special-education-increase-in-south-portland/ Meanwhile, the number of students who are learning to speak English or qualify for special education programs has increased, Kunin said in his State of the Schools 2017-18 presentation. … The number of students who qualify for special education increased again this year, resulting in an overall increase from 533 students (17.2 percent of total enrollment) in 2014 to 549 students (18.4 percent) in 2017. “We saw meaningful increases over the last four years in two particular areas – autism and multiple disabilities – both of which represent students with complex needs and challenges,” Kunin said. In the same period, the number of students who have autism has increased from 68 to 76, and the number who have multiple disabilities increased from 34 to 42. Kunin noted that the district also has experienced an increase in federally mandated out-of-district placements for special education needs that cannot be met by district personnel. Reviewing other numbers, Kunin said the district’s overall enrollment dropped by 36 students this year, from 3,031 in 2016-17 to 2,995 in 2017-18. …