As of 2010, the ESE program in Dade County, Florida, received positive reviews from on-site monitoring sources. The schools were judged to have a comfortable, pleasant and orderly atmosphere. Programs in the county also have a low teacher turnover rate, a high level of volunteers and a strong connection between parents and teachers. There is a high level of positive reinforcement in the class setting. Many of the students were complimentary of their teachers.
The county's ESE program does have areas that can be strengthened, like a low level of student participation in high-interest classes -- wood shop, culinary arts, cosmetology and auto shop -- in upper classes. There also seems to be a misuse of out-of-school suspensions. On-site monitoring sources indicated that in-school suspensions would be more appropriate.
A variety of disorders qualify a child for ESE classes. A child is evaluated for eligibility based on teacher observation, parent conferences, speech, hearing and vision screening and a doctor's evaluation. Autism spectrum disorder, deafness, developmental delays, dual-sensory impairment, emotional/behavioral disabilities, home-bound or hospitalized, intellectual disabilities, language impairment, orthopedic impairment, specific learning disabilities, speech impairment, traumatic brain injury and visual impairment are all categorized as special needs.
Each school district handles cases individually but is directed by the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services in Tallahassee, Florida. The bureau provides training to all staff on current issues and standards. To contact the bureau directly, call 850-245-0475. The Dade County ESE office can be contacted by calling 305-995-2027. As of February 2011 the Division of Special Education in Dade County is directed by Will Gordillo.