MCPS outlines interventions for students with disabilities, English learners and low‑income students; paraeducators press for funding and staffing

Montgomery County Public Schools briefed the County Council Education and Culture Committee on Feb. 26 about interventions and supports for students most impacted by academic and language barriers: students with disabilities, emerging multilingual learners (EMLs) and students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals.

“Specially designed instruction is at the heart of what we do for students receiving special education services,” Diana Wiles, Associate Superintendent for MCPS Office of Special Education, told the committee while reviewing enrollment trends. MCPS reported 24,403 students currently identified for special-education services in its most recent count.

MCPS officials said overall district enrollment has declined while identification of students needing special education has risen by about 3 percentage points over eight years (roughly 4,000 additional students identified since 2017). The district reported using Medicaid billing to recover some costs and said that gaps in certificated staffing reduce its ability to bill for eligible services; MCPS estimated Medicaid reimbursements at about $5,000,000 when staff and billing align.

On English learners, Tamara Hewlett, director of MCPS’ Department of English Learners and Multilingual Education, said 32,587 students were enrolled in English-language development services as of Dec. 31. Hewlett described growth concentrated in middle and high schools and noted that the…