Minnesota Agencies

The Special Education Case Loads Task Force shall develop recommendations for the appropriate numbers of students with disabilities that may be assigned to a teacher, both with and without paraprofessional support in the classroom, and for cost-effective and efficient strategies and structures for improving student outcomes.

The task force also will review inconsistencies in state special education rules and laws. It is expected to issue a report to legislators by mid-February 2014.

As mandated by the Legislature, the Department of Education assembled the Special Education Caseloads Task Force which convened Tuesday, September 24, 2013 for the first time. In its first meeting, the task force reviewed data on the current average student/teacher ratio statewide, which is currently at 14-to-one, and on the issue of teacher turnover. According to PIM Confidential (9/25/13), in the most recent year tracked, 800 of the 8,900 licensed special education teachers quit their jobs.

The task force expires February 16, 2014.

The commissioner (of Education) shall establish and appoint a special education case loads task force consisting of at least ten members who will provide equal representation from school districts, including special education teachers, and advocacy organizations, including parents of children with disabilities.