eNotes
July 17, 2025Updates from the ECTA Center
Summary Statements Calculator (2025)
This Summary Statements Calculator helps convert each state's Office of Special Education Program (OSEP) progress category data for the three child outcomes into summary statements. It can generate percentages related to the summary statements, regardless of the approach used for measuring child outcomes.
- Summary Statement 1: Of those children who entered the program below age expectations in each outcome, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by the time they exited.
- Summary Statement 2: The percent of children who were functioning within age expectations in each outcome by the time they exited the program.
IDEA Part C Early Intervention Family Survey Data for FFY 2022
IDEA Part C Early Intervention Family Survey Data for FFY 2022 shows that the great majority of families say that early intervention (EI) has helped them to know their rights, communicate their child's needs, and help their child develop and learn.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Early Intervention (Part C)
This updated online resource on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Early Intervention (Part C) examines infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) policies and practices that state EI programs may implement. These policies and practices support the social-emotional development and mental health needs of eligible children. It includes information, resources, and potential opportunities that can enhance services to infants and toddlers and their families. It is divided into several sections that include:
- Referral, Screening, Assessment, and Eligibility
- Services and Practices
- Workforce Development
- Funding, Partnership, and Collaboration
- Implementation Strategies
- State Strategies
- A Planning Tool
News from the Field
Building a Better Future: Funding, Tech, and the Special Education Workforce
The premiere episode of Rewriting the Narrative, an original podcast from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has guests who share their personal journeys into special education, reflect on the evolving challenges of the profession, and explore funding, staffing shortages, and the growing role of technology in supporting students. Host Ben Tillson is joined by Dr. Danielle Kovach, a seasoned special education teacher and adjunct professor, and Glenna Wright-Gallo, vice president of policy at Everway and former U.S. assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitation services.
Diversifying the Special Education Teacher Workforce Could Benefit U.S. Schools
In Diversifying the Special Education Teacher Workforce Could Benefit U.S. Schools, research found that special education teacher demographics are not keeping pace with changes in the student population. In 2012, about 80% of U.S. public school teachers were white, including about 80% of special education teachers, while less than 20% were teachers of color. By contrast, in the same year, students of color constituted 47% of those diagnosed with disabilities. This study examined whether these numbers have changed. Researchers found that the proportion of special education teachers of color has remained static, despite the student population rapidly becoming more diverse.
Research
Alcohol, Cannabis, and Nicotine Use During Early Pregnancy and Infant Hearing Loss
Childhood hearing loss affects approximately 0.2 % to 0.3 % of newborns. It increases as children age, with up to 18 % of children having hearing loss by age 18. Childhood hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of speech and language delays, problems with executive functioning and working memory, lower quality of life, and increased risk of behavioral and psychiatric disorders. Early identification of infant hearing loss is critical, as interventions in the first six months of life can significantly improve outcomes. This research examined whether maternal prenatal alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine use was associated with offspring diagnoses of hearing loss during the first six months of life. In Alcohol, Cannabis, and Nicotine Use During Early Pregnancy and Infant Hearing Loss, a large cohort study found that maternal substance use during early pregnancy and prenatal alcohol use was associated with increased risk of infant hearing loss.