Federal settlement signed, Ohio's special ed programs to get overhaul to improve scores
A federal judge signed the settlement this week to help improve the inclusion and scores of the 250,000 special education students in Ohio. (WSYX/WTTE)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — A federal judge signed the settlement this week to help improve the inclusion and scores of the 250,000 special education students in Ohio.
In a class-action suit filed nearly 30 years ago, Disability Rights Ohio took the Ohio Department of Education to court due to seclusion within the state's special education programs and low test scores.
An advisory board will now look to revamp state resources, school culture, professional development, and positive supports.
Board recommendations may include sensory rooms where kids can calm down and return to class or giving a nonverbal student an iPad to help them communicate.
"(We're) thrilled that we got this great outcome," said Kerstin Sjoberg with Disability Rights Ohio. "(We're) thrilled that we accomplished something meaningful for students with disabilities. (We're) really excited that it's going to focus on improving outcomes, and we're also ready to roll up our sleeves and making sure it happens. It's going to take work to get there."
The first year of the new five-year settlement will focus on coming up with a new system-wide plan. During the second year, schools will be expected to implement that plan. In years three through five, both sides expect test scores to improve. If that does not happen, the case could go back to court.
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