Why are so many school districts turning to administrative IEP software and intervention software to manage data on their students who need special services?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has shifted the focus of special education from detailed compliance and extensive paperwork to academic achievement, in order to align the law more closely with the No Child Left Behind Act. But even the smallest K-12 districts still devote an inordinate amount of time to complying with special education mandates. Experts tell us that as much as 90% of in-service for special education is devoted to compliance, not to improving instruction or the quality of student IEPs or other academic interventions. Special education teachers spend an average of 35% of their time filling out forms or-literally-trying to find the proper paperwork. And all of this comes at the expense of the students being served. The good news is that education technology has improved, providing the efficiency and accuracy that school districts need. Educators relieved of administrative duties can spend more time on those things that directly affect their students
