SAN JOSE, CA – On Wednesday, November 20, the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to equity and inclusion by honoring December 2 as Special Education Day.
Special Education Day is part of a national initiative honoring the progress made by educators, students, administrators, schools, and families to provide support for students with special needs.
“At the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Office of Education, we are committed to improving academic outcomes for all students," stated County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan.
“In ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø, we provide both direct and indirect service to over 29,000 students with special needs. Our programs build equity and narrow achievement and opportunity gaps and play a pivotal role in meeting the educational needs of the students with special needs. ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Office of Education's “Inclusion Collaborative" serves as a leader throughout California in ensuring access and inclusion in dynamic learning environments for children with special needs," adds Dewan.
“Additionally, the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Office of Education works on a number of fronts to improve educational outcomes for students with special needs. Statewide, California experiences a severe teacher shortage and that need is particularly acute in the area of Special Education."
“The SCCOE works to address this need through teacher recruitment fairs and credentialing programs for eligible candidates. Our office provides the Education Preparation for Inclusive Classrooms (EPIC) program, an accredited Special Educator preparation program. Since the program's inception, 77 candidates have earned a special education teaching credential and an additional 110 students are currently earning a credential."
“The SCCOE similarly provides a variety of resources for families, educators, and the community. We collaborate with the community in programs like our Early Start Program to strengthen, support, and empower our students and their families. We know that early assessment and detection can help families address their child's unique needs. Parents who would like to learn more or inquire about an assessment can contact our office at 408-392-3801," adds Dewan.
“We are honored to recognize Special Education Day and it's legacy of advocacy that is a reminder to all of us of the rich promise of every child who comes to the schoolhouse doors. It is our mission and one of our highest callings to provide services and supports to ensure that every child has access and is included in the very best of what we have to offer in the schools of ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø," noted Dewan.
Resources for educators and community
# # #
About the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Board of Education authorized charter schools.