LM September 2015

Evolving practices in Illinois

Special Education faces same budget, accountability hurdles as general education

By Melissa Taylor, President Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education The Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) is an influential, progressive organization dedicated to increasing positive outcomes for students with disabilities through legislative activism, high-quality professional development, collaboration, and networking opportunities for its members. With nearly 1,200 members, IAASE is the largest professional organization of special education administrators in the United States. IAASE members represent the organization on key statewide committees and are actively involved at the state and federal levels. As administrators, we are faced with unprecedented economic conditions coupled with significant education reform. At the same time that financial resources are dwindling in districts across the state, the expectations for accountability and improved outcomes continue to rise. The Office of Special Education Programs has revised the federal

Melissa Taylor is the President of the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special

accountability system for special education to one of Results-Driven Accountability, which shifts the balance away from compliance to an emphasis on results. Improved outcomes for students come only through collaborative efforts of general education and special education. Almost 300,000 of our 2.1 million Illinois school children receive some level of special Education (IAASE). She has over 20 years of experience in special education, both as a teacher and administrator. She is currently the Director of Student Services for Belleville Township High School District 201. Melissa has been a member of IAASE for 10 years and IASA for four years.

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