Memo: NSEA Supports SB49 (2017)

The Nevada State Education Association, representing 40,000 teachers and education support professionals across Nevada, believes that every Nevada student deserves a quality public education regardless of zip code, income, or ability. If a student has special needs, our members work to address those needs. However, an artificial cap on students classified as Special Education works against this universal access, effectively taking needed resources out of districts who have greater numbers of students with special needs.

Educators across the state teach and work with students with disabilities to help them develop by working in compliance with the elements of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). The development and implementation of individualized education programs are tailored to each student’s needs. This means additional assessment and specialized instruction. Providing a quality education for students with special needs is more work for educators and requires more school resources. These additional services provided to students with disabilities help our students reach their fullest potential, which is the point of public education for all our kids.