The future of students with disabilities in American public schools is once again in jeopardy. A recent investigation by The 74 raises the alarm: rising budget constraints, declining federal oversight, and chronic staffing shortages are threatening hard-won progress in inclusive education.
For school principals, now is the time to create policies and systems that ensure that all students — especially those with disabilities — are seen, supported, and successful.
Key Challenges Facing Students with Disabilities
Eroding Oversight and Legal Protections
Recent changes in federal enforcement practices within the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have reduced accountability for upholding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This places increased responsibility on local school leaders to monitor IEP compliance and ensure student rights are protected.
National Shortage of Special Education Staff
According to 2024 data from NCES, 74% of elementary and middle schools report challenges hiring special educators, paraprofessionals, and speech-language pathologists. These shortages hinder IEP implementation and disproportionately affect students requiring intensive support.
Return to Segregated Settings
Facing budget cuts, some districts are reverting to segregated classrooms or pulling back from co-teaching models. This limits peer interaction and access to rigorous instruction and undermines the core principles of inclusion.
Underfunded Tools and Resources
Many schools lack access to assistive technology, adapted materials, and inclusive extracurriculars. Without sufficient funding, students with complex needs are left behind academically, socially, and emotionally.
Five Leadership Actions Principals Can Take Now
1. Make Inclusion a Core Schoolwide Value
Embed inclusive education into your school’s mission, staff development, and daily interactions. This includes:
- Training all staff on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and trauma-informed instruction.
- Modeling inclusive language and decision-making.
- Auditing curriculum and school traditions through a lens of accessibility.
2. Ensure IEPs Are Monitored, Personalized, and Effective
Compliance isn’t enough. Principals must ensure that every IEP is a living, breathing roadmap. Lead by:
- Auditing a sample of IEPs each month with your leadership team.
- Setting up regular progress check-ins with special educators.
- Empowering general education teachers to co-own IEP goals.
3. Build a Culture Where Everyone Belongs
Belonging fuels achievement. Help all students feel seen by:
- Launching peer mentoring programs or lunch buddies.
- Making extracurriculars inclusive with adapted roles and supports.
- Offering leadership opportunities for students with disabilities (e.g., morning announcements, school ambassador roles).
4. Elevate Family Partnerships and Advocacy
Strong relationships with families of students with disabilities are essential. Try:
- Hosting quarterly “Listening Circles” or creating a Parent Advisory Council.
- Translating IEP meeting materials and providing guides to empower parents.
- Proactively reaching out before challenges arise.
5. Advocate Beyond Your School Walls
Principals must take their seat at the table in district and state conversations. Use your voice to:
- Push for increased special education funding.
- Demand better recruitment pipelines for special educators.
- Share real stories about how policy changes impact student lives.
