Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

As the number of K-12 students in Wisconsin slowly dwindles, there’s one group of students that’s been growing for decades: children with special education needs. Since the 2005-06 school year, the number of students needing additional support in the classroom has increased by about 5,000 students, or 4%, while the overall student population has decreased by nearly 10%, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. That increase is driven primarily by students with significant autism or developmental delays, two populations that, combined, have grown by over 23,000 students in the past 20 years. The increase has trickle-down effects, starting with the staff who work most closely with them. Under federal special education law, students with disabilities are entitled to public education that meets their needs. Schools must provide this education in the “least restrictive environment,” where students are in a regular education classroom for as much time as possible while still learning effectively. School staff workers called special education paraprofessionals help make that possible.