Parents, teachers argue Ohio special education classes unsafe, overcrowded 

Parents and teachers are protesting that Ohio’s Columbus City Schools’ Specialized Learning Center classes are unsafe due to overcrowding. 

Critics say in many cases the overcrowding is two times the limit under Ohio law.  

Parents and teachers called the situation a “nightmare” scenario in a meeting with the Columbus City Schools (CCS) Board of Education this past week.  

“As a parent who lives in constant fear of the very real dangers of these kinds of situations, this honestly feels like a nightmare,” Stephanie Cox, a parent of twins with autism told the board, according to Spectrum 1 News. “We simply cannot wait for the unthinkable to happen.”  

Kids deserve better than to be ignored, unsafe and uneducated because they have a disability, she argued. 

One former teacher who specialized as an intervention specialist for CCS special education classes sent her resignation letter to a local TV news station.  

“I can no longer support or condone the current practices of the district’s administration, which I believe are not only detrimental to the students under my care but also in violation of legal and ethical standards,” wrote former CCS teacher Leah Stamos, according to local ABC News 6.   

Under Ohio law intervention specialists, who are required to help teachers and children in a classroom setting, are limited to assisting six to eight student per class, reports local ABC News 6.   

A parent at the meeting echoed Stamos’ concerns, telling board members classes exceed the limit by two times or more, which is a violation of the law,  

“Right now, they’re breaking the law under Ohio state law for special needs classrooms; maximum is six students,” Omawale Green, who has a son with autism spectrum disorder, told the board, according to the local ABC affiliate. 

“To have 14, you’re out of compliance, and you’re breaking the law. Simple as that.” 

One CCS mom who was quoted anonymously by ABC said she has two students in special education classes. “I know that my two students have been overstimulated and acting out in ways they never have before,” she said. 

Intervention specialists are licensed teachers who complete additional training through an accredited program. They help teachers and students manage the physical, emotional, mental or learning disabilities of children in a classroom setting.  

One intervention specialist, Molly Wood at Sullivant Elementary, said she surveyed others in the district and reports 60% have reported they have 10 or more students with autism in classrooms right now, according to Spectrum 1 News.  

Cox said both of her children have been injured in class. “My own son came home with a bruise on his throat,” she said, adding she has photographic evidence of the injury.  

“And my daughter was mildly hurt today. All of these instances can be attributed to overstimulated kids who can’t speak for themselves, don’t understand what’s happening and act out their frustrations aggressively.” 

CCS said in a statement it’s experiencing a staffing shortage in special education “not unlike many other districts across the nation,” reported the ABC News affiliate.   

The district claims it has been in contact with the Ohio Department of Education “discussing the District’s response and actions related to the teacher shortage. 

“The District is working collaboratively with the Ohio Department of Education to ensure all students receive a free, appropriate education and necessary compensatory services.”  

Wood, the intervention specialist, said the statement isn’t good enough. She said to ensure the safety of the kids CCS has to consider alternatives.  

“If we cannot retain teachers and provide appropriate services to these students, it is time for the district to take responsibility and consider alternative placements outside of Columbus City Schools,” she said.