Results of CAREI’s Survey of Special Education Leaders
Earlier this year, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) partnered with MASE to survey special education leaders. The results were recently released.
The results show a strong demand for systems-level MTSS implementation support, workforce solutions, instructional improvement, and practical tools that can be immediately applied in districts.
1. The primary need is to build effective MTSS systems, especially in light of upcoming changes to the SLD criteria at the state level.
- Creating an aligned MTSS framework across literacy, math, and behavior (28 responses)
- MTSS infrastructure resources and professional learning (24)
- Special education entitlement decisions using MTSS data (24)
- System evaluation and implementation planning (23)
- Measuring implementation fidelity (22)
- Data-based decision making (19)
Districts want help implementing an effective, consistent, and sustainable MTSS framework. Notable concern throughout the comments is the continued misunderstanding of MTSS as a pathway to special education eligibility rather than a framework for improving outcomes for all students. (Confuse MTSS for RtI and over-identification of students for special education because Tier 1 is weak).
2. Instructional quality is a concern
- Implementing evidence-based interventions (24)
- Matching instruction to student need (22)
- Tier 1 instruction and scheduling (21)
Need to build and improve core instruction while adding more intensive interventions.
3. Secondary literacy
- Secondary literacy (28)
- Elem literacy (20)
- Elem math (20)
- Supporting MLL (14)
- Secondary Math (13)
- Culturally Responsive instruction (11)
Secondary literacy is notable as the MN Read Act is leveraging the changes here.
4. Behavioral supports and attendance
Top behavior and SEL priorities included:
- Integrated SEL supports (24)
- Behavior intervention systems (22)
- Reducing chronic absenteeism (20)
- Non-exclusionary discipline practices (19)
- Mental health systems and partnerships (18)
Behavioral and mental health concerns remain deeply connected to student engagement and attendance. Districts want district-wide prevention systems rather than isolated programs.
5. Staffing shortages—most urgent
- Staffing shortages (25)
- Para onboarding and training (22)
6. Support with effective practices
- Progress monitoring and data-based decision making (21)
- Due process quality and efficiency (20)
- Transition planning (17)
- Provider workload analysis (16)
Most desired supports from CAREI and MASE:
- Administrator decision-making checklists and flowcharts (31)
- Mini-training modules (28)
- Quick-reference guides (23)
- Templates and implementation tools (21)
- Interactive tools (21)
Preferred Delivery Methods
- Searchable online resource hub (30)
- Webinars highlighting tools and practices (29)
- Monthly email updates (27)
- In-person workshops (23)