West Virginia declares special education emergency

 The West Virginia Department of Education has declared a state of emergency over failing special education services in Hampshire County.

The state’s Board of Education agreed to declare the emergency Nov. 8 after monitoring the situation in Hampshire for several years.

A state report revealed the county received nearly $100,000 in grants to help disabled students, but the money hasn’t even been spent.  

Based on a sample of 45 students, the department also estimated that two-thirds of special students weren’t receiving the care mandated by their IEPs (individualized education program).  

Paul Hardesty, president of the state board, added that the district’s IEPs were too cookie-cutter.  

“We have not provided the services for these children that is outlined, and IEP is an individual plan,” Hardesty said. “I would venture to say that in over half the counties in this state you’re going to find the same type of IEP problems.” 

Hampshire County has around 560 special needs students, 20% of the total school population. 

While the average reading and math scores for Hampshire students are subpar – 38% and 25% respectively – scores for special needs students are far worse.  

According to the state report, special education students score around 10% in both subjects.  

The academic failure isn’t for lack of funding. The county spends over $14,000 on average per pupil. 

Instead, Hampshire County special education seems to suffer from poor leadership, according to the report.  

Many of its teachers were described as “inexperienced, uncertified and/or long-term substitutes.” The state report noted these teachers also didn’t have adequate professional development and learning opportunities. 

Three schools in the district didn’t have a single certified special education teacher.  

And while educators stressed the importance of support staff, the district never managed to hire a compliance specialist after the previous one left. It tried to turn the full-time position into two part-time jobs, but no one ever applied.  

Now, the state board will work directly with Hampshire County to improve its special education. If progress isn’t made within six months, the board may take more extreme action.