Considerations for Outsourcing

Scenario: My school district wants to outsource special education services.

For Outsourcing

Against Outsourcing

Efficiency – Administrative overhead can be eliminated, freeing up individuals for other responsibilities. There will no longer be a need for in-house scheduling, observations, or state evaluations.

Expertise – The organization providing the service will be experts in their field and in implementing services. School personnel will no longer have to spend their time becoming familiar with the latest research, state law, or resources available. Time is money and this will save many people a lot of time.

Long-Term Costs – The company will oversee hiring, training new employees, updating equipment, renewing licenses, and other recurring costs.

Loss of Control – With special education services outsourced, the school will no longer have control over scheduling, strategically matching teachers with students, or protocols.

Timeliness of Service – With operations moved outside of the building, getting answers to questions may take longer. Teachers will no longer have the option of walking over and asking a quick question or requesting support last minute or in an emergency.

Community Relationships – The current relationships between staff members and between staff and students will be lost. Many families have become comfortable with their current SPED coordinator and may not trust the outside company.

Stakeholder

Involvement*

Responsibility – When students and families have concerns, or are not seeing the desired results, who is responsible? While the answer may be the company, the lines are blurred because the company was hired by school. However, that

doesn’t mean we have control over every

aspect.

Flexibility – Not having to adhere to school contracts, calendars, or legal requirements, the company can regularly assess and amend the services they provide. Schools are often stuck with programs and personnel to at least the end of the school year, if not longer.

Accountability*

Informed Decision-Making*

* See notes below for more information