Recent Survey on the Most Pressing Issues for Special Education Administrators

Recently, we checked in with special education administrators to better understand their work and gauge their feelings about it.

According to a Goalbook national survey of 182 special education leaders from across the country, one-third reported feeling overwhelmed and stressed. These feelings are indicative of the pressures and enormity of the role and responsibilities special education leaders are asked to fill. And now many leaders are being asked to do even more with less as many districts face budget cuts.

When asked which issues are the most pressing for them as leaders, 37% said teacher turnover and retention.

This is closely followed by 35% of special education leaders saying the most pressing issue they are facing is developing MTSS, SEL, and RTI strategies.

Developing MTSS, SEL, and RTI strategies is top of mind for leaders as 53% reported the most pressing issue their teachers are currently facing is managing behavior in the classroom.

Not as pressing, but still worth mentioning is the next most pressing issue administrators reported their teachers are facing.

Helping teachers manage their workload, especially in light of budget cuts, is just one of the heavy responsibilities shouldered by special education administrators that may contribute to them feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

This survey highlights the complicated and mixed emotions felt by special education administrators across the country. And yet, many of the administrators surveyed indicated they feel positive emotions, an indicator of the resiliency of special education administrators.

Learn more about how Goalbook supports districts.