The state of Vermont's special education system - and how it's funded - is getting a hard look in the legislature. Recent reports have spotlighted special education's role in driving up education costs - and suggested that Vermont's current practices may not be the best way to help students. We're looking at how special education works in the state, what the issues are, and what changes are being considered.
We're joined by Bill Talbott, chief financial officer for the Vermont Agency of Education. Also by Ned Kirsch, superintendent of Franklin West Supervisory Union, and Rep. David Sharpe, chair of the House Committee on Education.
Also on the program: Vermont has a rare celebrity guest who has been attracting a lot of attention and admirers this past week - a painted bunting. The festively colored little bird has been hanging out in Pittsfield, and many Vermont birders have been making the trek to see it in person. Conservation biologist and Outdoor Radio co-host Kent McFarland gives us the latest.
Broadcast live on Wed., March 16, 2016, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.
