# DisruptED: How Can We Best Help Students With Special Needs?

By Ron Stefanski · Published 2023-10-24 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Education Technology on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/disrupted-students-with-special-needs
Creator hub: DisruptED

> Urban school districts are grappling with widening achievement gaps for students with special needs in a post-pandemic world

## Key points

- Post-pandemic learning loss has disproportionately impacted students with special needs in urban school districts.
- Targeted interventions and innovative educational approaches are essential to closing achievement gaps for special needs students.
- Collaboration between educators, policymakers, and technology providers is key to developing effective support systems.

Block Field

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the challenges faced by students with special needs are becoming increasingly complex. With the rise of technology and the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the stakes have never been higher. Research indicates that students in urban school districts have been lagging behind for years, and [the pandemic has only exacerbated the learning loss](https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/30/health/covid-learning-loss-study-wellness/index.html). How can we bridge this gap and ensure that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, receives the education they deserve?

> How can we bridge this gap and ensure that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, receives the education they deserve?

On the latest episode of [DisruptED](https://marketscale.com/shows/disrupted/), hosts [**Ron J. Stefanski**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjstefanski) and [**Caesar Mickens Jr**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/caesar-mickens-jr-ph-d-4365859a) engage in a profound conversation with [**Dominic Cipollone**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-cipollone-84a58838), Managing Director at [**Castle Placement**](https://castleplacement.com/). Since both Caesar and Dominic are familiar with the trials and tribulations of urban education and the navigating that environment, both co-host and guest are able to dig real deep into the topic of students with special needs in big cities. Key topics discussed in this episode include…

– The real impact of the pandemic on learning loss.

– The importance of real-world experiences in education.

– Strategies and technology to help students with special needs.

### About the Guest

**Dominic Cipollone** has dedicated 30 years to the Department of New York’s education system, serving both as a teacher and principal in the Bronx. His insights, combined with his personal journey of raising a son with special needs, offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in today’s educational environment.

Tags: DisruptED, Dominic Cipollone, Edge Foundation, education, students with special needs

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