Q&A
Challenges in expanding successful special education programs
1:56:42
ยท
72 sec
Council Member Dinowitz questions why successful programs like NEST aren't being expanded more rapidly. DOE officials explain the challenges, including resource limitations and the classification of these programs as 'innovative' rather than 'mandated'.
- DOE expanded to 3 districts this year, offering specialized autism programs to all kindergarten students diagnosed with autism in those districts
- Officials are working to obtain additional resources for further expansion
- These programs are considered 'innovative' on the state continuum, unlike mandated programs like District 75, which affects funding and expansion capabilities
Eric Dinowitz
1:56:42
And so I I wasn't clear on why these programs aren't expanded aren't being expanded.
Suzanne Sanchez
1:56:49
So this year
Eric Dinowitz
1:56:49
Can you make that clear to me?
Suzanne Sanchez
1:56:50
Yeah.
1:56:50
I'm gonna do my best.
1:56:51
Thank you.
1:56:52
We were able to expand with investment from, our city partners to 3 districts that deputy chancellor referenced at.
1:56:59
Every kindergarten student in those districts diagnosed with autism was offered a seat in a specialized autism program, either in NASA Horizon or AIMS.
1:57:08
We are working now to obtain additional resources, and we're working with our city partners to expand because we know what works.
1:57:17
We know what is best for students based on the research and based on our data that you're referring to.
Eric Dinowitz
1:57:23
Yeah.
1:57:23
I guess it's just confusing because if it works, it works.
1:57:27
If it's better for the special education students and general education students, it's confusing as to why it's not expanded.
Suzanne Sanchez
1:57:33
And I think one of the points that that deputy chancellor Foti raised earlier is that, for example, these are considered innovative programs along the state continuum, whereas district 75 is considered is a mandated program.
Eric Dinowitz
1:57:45
Sure.
Suzanne Sanchez
1:57:45
So we are we're working with our partners to identify resources to to grow these out, but they are not considered mandated programs.
Eric Dinowitz
1:57:53
Right.