This 45-minute presentation examines disparities in special education programming between rural and urban school districts. Drawing from 30 years of professional practice across elementary, middle, and high school settings in North Carolina, the session highlights key differences in funding, academic interventions, vocational opportunities, and support structures for teachers and parents. Participants will explore how access to resources, particularly within the Occupational Course of Study (OCS) pathway for students with significant disabilities, directly impacts student outcomes. The session concludes with practical, implementation-ready strategies to promote equity regardless of geographic location.
