The Santa Clara County Office of Education is committed to improving equity and access to high quality, inclusive education for all students with a priority focus on student groups that have been historically underserved and impacted by the effects of structural racism and systemic poverty.
Sponsored Legislation
SB 692 Special Education Inclusion Act
Summary: Existing state policies and practices incentivize the segregation of students with disabilities into separate classes even when students are capable of performing at grade level. This bill would incentivize districts to place students with disabilities in the most inclusive environment that is appropriate by adding an existing federal indicator (least restrictive environment) to the state accountability dashboard. It would also incentivize districts to provide general education teachers with training and professional development on teaching strategies related to the most common mild/moderate disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and autism.
Equity Impact: This bill addresses the state’s low inclusion rates in K to 12th grade and furthers movement towards a single system in which “all kids are general education kids first.” Inclusive programs have been shown to increase academic and graduation outcomes for both special education and non-special education students.
