7/2 - Nicole D'Antonio, CMG Washington

Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING - More children around the nation are qualifying for special education than ever before, according to new federal data. The number of students ages 3–21 who accessed special education services increased to nearly 7.5 million students during the 2022–23 school year. However, reports show nearly one in five public schools reported last fall that they weren't fully staffed in special education. Now many families worry the staffing shortage could get worse when the pandemic-era funding expires this fall. Nicole D'Antonio is live in Washington with the growing push to combat shortages in the classroom.