3 Key Special Education Priorities for 2025: Staffing, Service Delivery & Early Intervention

As districts prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead, the latest K-12 Lens 2025 report highlights three major Special Education priorities for 2025: staffing shortages, evolving service delivery models, and the urgent need to reinforce early intervention strategies. From chronic shortages in special education staff to shifts in service models and early intervention strategies, the report offers timely data and actionable takeaways for district leaders. 

Here are three major trends and what they mean for those leading Special Education programs: 

1. Staffing Shortages Persist – But Retention Strategies Make a Difference 

While general teacher shortages have started to ease, Special Education remains one of the most difficult areas to staff. Over half of districts report significant shortages of SPED educators and paraprofessionals. Yet, districts investing in targeted professional development and mentoring for early-career SPED staff are seeing measurable improvements in retention. 

What this means: Leaders should double down on supporting SPED teams through strategic PD, mentoring, and streamlined onboarding. Investing in systems that ease administrative burdens can free HR and SPED directors to focus on what matters most—building and keeping strong teams. 

2. Service Delivery Is Evolving: Hybrid Models and Partnerships Are Key 

Districts are increasingly turning to hybrid staffing models and third-party partnerships to ensure students with IEPs receive timely support. Notably: 

• In-house mental and behavioral health services correlate with nearly 50% lower chronic absenteeism. 
• The outsourcing of speech-language and related services has tripled in the past year. 
• Rural and high-mobility districts are especially challenged in ensuring equity and access. 

What this means: Directors of Special Education should explore creative delivery models and leverage digital tools to manage external partnerships, track compliance, and maintain visibility into service quality. 

3. Early Intervention Tools Work — But Use Is Slipping 

Early warning indicators used in grades 1–5 have proven effective in reducing absenteeism and improving staff satisfaction. Yet, puzzlingly, their use declined 6% this year. 

What this means: Leaders should reinforce the use of data systems and early alerts to proactively address risks. Integrating these tools with broader compliance platforms (such as Frontline Special Programs Management) can make it easier to track interventions and ensure consistent application across buildings and staff. 

Leading Strategic Change: Your Role as a Special Education Leader 

Special Education Directors are uniquely positioned to drive district-wide impact. The most successful leaders in the K-12 Lens study are: 

• Aligning PD with staff needs 
• Investing in tools that track service delivery and compliance 
• Collaborating across SPED and general education 
• Balancing in-house capacity with outsourced services 

With rising expectations and limited resources, operational efficiency and proactive leadership are more important than ever. Tools like Frontline Special Programs Management can help streamline workflows, ensure compliance, and empower staff through self-service access and real-time insights. 

Dr. Taylor Plumbee

Dr. Taylor Plumblee is an experienced education executive with demonstrated success in education management and marketing. She joined Frontline Education in 2021 and is the Manager of Product and Solution Marketing with a focus on Student & Business Solutions including School Health Management, Special Program Management, Student Information Systems, and Data & Analytics.