During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the high turnover rates among paraeducators and special education teachers, which are impacting the quality of education for students with disabilities. A speaker highlighted that while the district has made strides by offering full-time benefited para positions, the ongoing turnover remains a critical issue.
The speaker emphasized that the frequent changes in staffing not only disrupt the educational environment but also pose risks to child safety and the effectiveness of inclusive education. They pointed out that the costs associated with replacing these educators are substantial, affecting both the financial resources of the district and the overall well-being of students.
Additionally, the discussion touched on the potential for collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC) to develop a \"grow our own\" program aimed at nurturing future educators within the district. This initiative could help stabilize staffing levels and ensure a consistent educational experience for students.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of tracking for attendance among students with disabilities, as previous decisions were made to avoid penalizing these students. The meeting underscored the need for a comprehensive evaluation of these issues to enhance educational outcomes and support for vulnerable populations within the school system.