More About Special Needs Abuse

Last week, we discussed the GAO's report on the abuse of special needs students in their schools. Today, CNN recounts a congressional hearing on the issue. According to Disability Scoop, the White House is "very concerned" about this, too. A senior spokesman says:

The White House is very concerned about the restraint and seclusion issue, especially the deaths and serious injuries that have taken place across the country. We are committed to working with the secretary of education, Congress and the community to explore solutions to this issue.

Are federal standards far off?

Texas Team Takes Home 2009 Roadeo Crown

As promised, results from the 2009 National Special Needs Team Roadeo during the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Preschoolers 18th National Conference & Exhibition. From our Web site:

Jeffery Brown and Deanna Mallow of Kileen, Texas, took home the first place trophy after a hotly contested 2009 National Special Needs Team Roadeo during the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Preschoolers 18th National Conference & Exhibition.

The economy appeared to have something to do with smaller total conference attendance numbers than from recent years, and only 16 teams competed this year down from 30 in 2008. But that fact did not keep the participants from pushing each other in such skills tests as evacuations, railroad crossings and child passenger seat restraints. Brown and Mallow held off Lynea Brown and Michael Ingraham of Falcon, Colo., by just five points. Finishing in third place was Suzanne Gettings and Lee Ann Ovens of Penn Yann, N.Y.

The event was held in freezing cold temperatures on Feb. 28 at Decatur Intermediate Learning Center. The larger conference concluded on March 4.

Look for more on the conference in our April issue. For now, some a photo of the winners:

Special Needs and the Economy

Recently, we highlighted how pupil transportation could provide "recession-proof" jobs in 2009. A number of contractors say nationwide job loss is helping them with driver recruitment and retention. But before the yet-to-be-passed stimulus package can bolster school and special needs funding, some districts are making cuts, including one Indiana district that recently decided to cut school bus aides. As expected, the news has prompted considerable comment and discussion. In California, it seems some non-classroom employees are expecting budget cuts as well.