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Committee flags special‑education staffing shortfalls and growing student mental‑health needs
Summary
Bureau staff told senators the matrix underfunds special‑education staffing relative to evidence‑based recommendations and that mental‑health needs — particularly in rural areas — are rising; members asked for a detailed special‑education report and data on outside mental‑health services.
Lawmakers pressed bureau analysts about special education and student mental health during a multi‑hour adequacy briefing, and staff said both areas warrant immediate attention and further analysis.
The bureau noted the matrix funds 2.9 special‑education teachers per 500 students while the evidence‑based model used by past consultants (Auden & Pikus) recommends roughly 4.05 per 500. Bureau…
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