Pupils with special educational needs (SEN) are facing a troubling trend in the education system, as new data highlights their significantly higher rates of suspension and absence compared to their peers. The latest figures show a shocking picture: pupils with special educational needs (SEN) are almost four times as likely to be suspended than those without. Even worse, these students are twice as likely to face persistent absenteeism. This deeply concerning trend is a call to action about our nation’s education system. The truth is, we need more systemic changes to support these at-risk students.
It’s a similar, though even worse, story for students who are classified as severely truant. These students end up missing more than 50% of their school periods. These students comprise a growing portion of the SEN pipeline. They may face absenteeism rates that are seven times that of their non-SEN peers. Even before COVID, persistent absence was a point of concern. This is particularly pressing with the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) having increased by more than 80% since 2016, underlining the need for focus on improving attendance. The jump underscores the vastness of that chasm. More students than ever are in need of support, but our resources can’t keep pace with their needs.
Challenges in Supporting SEN Pupils
This will extend to all school staff who have identified meeting the needs of pupils with SEN as their second biggest challenge. Only budgetary constraints comes close to it in challenge. A recent poll found three-quarters of teachers do not believe schools are inclusive environments for all pupils. This is particularly true for students with special educational needs. Yet, this sentiment gestures toward an immense challenge facing the education system. Poor state funding and lack of access to support specialists for inclusive environments keep this vision from becoming a reality.
The rate at which the number of pupils requiring EHCPs is increasing is phenomenal. Schools are struggling to change their systems to identify and address these students’ needs. Despite this surge, existing frameworks and guidelines have failed to keep up, leaving educators to deal with a lack of training and support with these tools. Without the time, guidance, and resources to do so, teachers find it difficult to embrace effective practices for inclusion. This lack of capacity eventually affects the academic achievement of their students.
The Need for Systemic Change
Specialists believe that national standards for inclusion would go a long way towards creating a better educational experience for students with special educational needs. Implementing these standards would provide a framework for schools to enhance their practices and ensure that all students receive the support they require. Expanding professional development for district and school leaders and educators is critical. It prepares them with the tools they will use to meet the many different needs of their students.
A change in mindset is equally important to foster a truly welcoming space for all learners among traditional public schools. Stakeholders badly need to push for more funding and resources to ease the enormous burdens now pressing down on our schools. With adequate support and training, educators can foster an atmosphere where every child, regardless of their needs, has the opportunity to thrive.
Implications for Future Generations
That’s why the stakes of not rising to meet these challenges are so great. Without reforming our deeply flawed, toxic approach to exclusion, millions of young people with SEND will continue to be robbed of their potential. When these systemic issues in the education system intersect for individual students, the effects can be devastating. These challenges further have downstream, lasting impacts for society at large.
The increase in the proportion of pupils with special educational needs is stark. We cannot wait to enact the changes America’s students need. Policymakers, educators, and their communities need to work together to build solutions that promote inclusivity and equity in education. Every one of our children needs and deserves that quality education. This is not only our duty, but vital to building a better tomorrow.