Pasadena Unified Commemorates National Special Education Day

Pasadena Unified School District officials are marking National Special Education Day on Wednesday as they continue working to get students with the greatest levels of need back into classrooms.

The day commemorates the anniversary of the nation’s first federal special education law, which was signed by President Gerald Ford in 1975, according to Marco Villegas, PUSD associate superintendent of specialized student support/SELPA.

“On Special Education Day, we honor progress and celebrate the students with disabilities in the Pasadena Unified School District schools and their teachers, administrators, parents, and schools,” Villegas said in a written statement. “It is a time to celebrate our accomplishments, reflect on achievements, and renew our commitment to continuously improve the programs, services, and resources that our district offers children with disabilities.”

Villegas said the ongoing pandemic has created significant challenges for students with disabilities, as well as their families, teachers and administrators.

“I commend each of them for their hard work, flexibility, and commitment to create the best possible learning opportunities for all students,” Villegas said.

The PUSD has already begun in-person instruction for about 20 English-learning students, said PUSD Board of Education Vice President Scott Phelps.

They were preparing to begin in-person classes for students with disabilities in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, but a massive surge in COVID-19 infections throughout the region and the nation put the plan on pause, Phelps said.

Some children in the special needs program have assigned instructional aides as part of their education plans who are able to help them with academic assistance while attending the PUSD’s daycare program, he added.

District officials are working to get all students, but especially those with special needs, back into school as soon as safety allows, Villegas said.

“We remain committed to reopening special education services for small groups of students as soon as public health conditions allow for it,” he said. “These services will include students receiving remote instruction supported by instructional assistants and other support personnel. Trained personnel will help students become more engaged in the curriculum and provide clarification in a safe environment that meets all the safety protocols.”