Idaho teachers and education leaders work to ensure that all students have the educational services they need to achieve academic success. There are many factors that go into determining what that work looks like. In some cases, supporting a student’s needs requires additional help.

When needed, students who need special education services can tap into additional assistance to support their unique academic needs. Accessing these supports can be complex – even overwhelming – especially for parents encountering the system for the first time. More and more, we see parents turning to teachers and school administrators for help in this arena, and like parents, school employees also need knowledge and support to be effective.

I recently hosted a listening session and asked Idaho parents to share their experiences and hopes for how our state, districts and charters could better support their child and lessen the fear of navigating the special education system. Parents said they want the knowledge and know-how to take a lead role in effectively advocating for their child while receiving support from an involved educational community.

The day after hearing from parents, I listened to special education teachers, directors and leaders. They shared frustrations with being understaffed and feeling underprepared for managing changes in students’ academic needs and behavioral health.

Feedback from educators also focused on preparation and professional development for all teachers, not just those who specialize in special education. Whether it’s through the certification process, student teaching or mentoring, there are opportunities for us to shore up training for the adults who work with our children.