This information was obtained by a survey administered April to June 2005, as part of a cooperative agreement between Project Forum at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) and The Access Center, to state directors of special education regarding strategies currently being used to enhance access to the general education curriculum.

1. General education teachers’ lack of knowledge about appropriate accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities.
2. The need for professional development for general education and special education teachers to learn strategies for meeting the needs of all students, including students with disabilities, in their classrooms.
3. Low expectations for students with disabilities.
4. Special education teachers lack of knowledge about the general education curriculum.
5. The time needed for co-planning and meaningful collaboration between general and special education personnel across levels (i.e., school, district, state).

Other Most Commonly Reported Challenges

1. The shortage of certified special education teachers.
2. Ensuring access to the general education curriculum when the appropriate level of the student with a disability is significantly below the level of their non-disabled peers (especially at the high school level).
3. Personnel changes in school staff, administration, and other leadership positions.
4. The lack of understanding about access at the school, district, and state levels.
5. Moving towards standards-based IEPs.
6. The lack of resources…real or perceived.
7. The lack of qualified personnel to provide technical assistance.
8. The lack of understanding and acceptance of differentiated instruction.
9. Challenges associated with being a large, rural district.