A growing number of students in public schools—right now, about 15 percent of them—are eligible for special education services. These services include specially designed instruction for students with autism, learning or physical disabilities or traumatic brain injuries. But going into the current school year, more than half of U.S. public schools anticipate being short-staffed in special education. Kimber Wilkerson, a professor of special education and department chair at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains why there’s a shortage and what needs to be done to close the gap.

The Conversation has collaborated with SciLine to bring you highlights from the discussion, which have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Which students receive special education services?

Students with a disability label receive special education services. They need these additional services and, sometimes, instruction in school so they can access the curriculum and thrive like their peers.

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