OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Back to school this year means significant changes for the Osceola County school district.
They are consolidating Exceptional Student Education services for children with special needs. Some parents have criticized the move that will see many ESE students in general classrooms.
“They might have an additional cognitive disability or they could have a hearing disability or a vision disability,” said Dr. Rene Clayton, Osceola County district’s deputy superintendent.
Osceola County School District’s Deputy Superintendent said they are trying to address the learning challenges of all students.
That’s why they are now putting many of their ESE students in general classrooms. They used to be in separate classes.
Clayton said this will be a good learning experience for all students.
“They will have exposure and opportunities to work together and understand each other better and be more accepting of one another,” Clayton said.
Having all different types of students in the same classes was decided a few years ago and is now being implemented.
“It is not for financial reasons at all, it is decided because we have challenges with making sure that we have enough people that are fully certified, providing the highest quality services and having the greatest outcomes for our students,” Clayton said.
There are just over 13,000 ESE students who will be affected.
However, there will be a few schools set up for those with the most severe challenges.
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