Advocates for the disabled say they're concerned about the future of special education programs since state officials plan to inspect them less often.
The Anniston Star (http://bit.ly/13QW7Qp ) reported Sunday that the state Department of Education will transition from inspecting the programs once every three years to once every four years beginning this school year.
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program attorney Nancy Anderson says that means a high school freshman could graduate without a state inspection making any impact on the program they're in.
Alabama Department of Education spokeswoman Malissa Valdes-Hubert says the decision to transition to a four-year inspection cycle is more economical for the department.
Aside from the frequency of state inspections, Anderson says federal spending cuts are expected to negatively impact special education programs as well.
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Information from: The Anniston Star, http://www.annistonstar.com/
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.