top of page

New Federal Data Shows Why State and Local Special Education Policy Changes Can't Wait

Every day, more than 7 million students with disabilities walk through the doors of America's public schools. That's roughly 1 in 6 students nationwide. And according to the latest Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), these students are twice as likely to be suspended, half as likely to enroll in advanced courses, and consistently face barriers to accessing the education they deserve. Behind each of these statistics is a child – maybe your child – whose future is being shaped by these disparities.


Woman and boy with a colorful clock, boy pointing. Text: "It's time for special education policy to change." Yellow background. Mood: thoughtful.

Just released by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, this comprehensive study of over 17,000 school districts and 98,000 schools paints a stark picture of the challenges our children face. But it also gives us the evidence we need to drive real change.


The Hard Truth About What's Happening in Our Schools

You know that nagging feeling you get sometimes – the one that whispers maybe your child isn't getting the same opportunities as others? The data suggests you're not being paranoid. Here's what's really happening in our schools:


  • Remember that time your child was sent home for behavior that seemed linked to their disability? You're not alone. The data shows our kids are being suspended and expelled at higher rates than their peers. It's not okay, and it's not just happening to your family.

  • Ever wonder why it's so hard to get your child into advanced classes, even though you know they're capable? The numbers back you up: students with disabilities are getting left out of AP courses and gifted programs far too often. That ceiling you keep hitting? It's real, and it needs to break.

  • If you've ever thought, "Why can't they find a qualified special education teacher?" – well, you've identified a national problem. Many schools, especially those serving lots of kids with disabilities, are struggling with staffing shortages.


An Urgent Call to Policymakers

To our state legislators, school board members, and education officials: these numbers demand your immediate attention and action. This isn't just about compliance with federal law – it's about the future of our communities. Every day of delay means another child potentially denied their full educational opportunity.

The data clearly shows that individual schools and teachers, no matter how dedicated, cannot solve these systemic issues alone. We need policy changes at both the state and local levels that provide:


1. Immediate Funding Reform

  • Revise state funding formulas to better reflect the true cost of providing special education services

  • Create emergency grants for districts struggling with special education teacher shortages

  • Establish dedicated funding streams for assistive technology and specialized training


2. Accountability Measures with Teeth

  • Require districts to report special education discipline data quarterly

  • Establish state-level oversight committees that include parents of students with disabilities

  • Create concrete consequences for districts that consistently show disparate treatment of students with disabilities


3. Mandatory Professional Development

  • Require all teachers, not just special educators, to complete annual training on inclusive practices

  • Mandate administrator training on alternative discipline approaches

  • Fund ongoing professional development for paraprofessionals


4. Structural Changes to Educational Access

  • Eliminate barriers to advanced program enrollment for students with disabilities

  • Create state-level guidance on inclusion in gifted and AP programs

  • Develop support systems for students with disabilities in advanced courses


5. Family Engagement Requirements

  • Mandate district-level special education parent advisory committees

  • Require parent participation in policy development

  • Fund parent advocacy training programs


The Economic Imperative for Special Education Policy Changes

For policymakers focused on the bottom line, consider this: investing in appropriate special education services now isn't just the right thing to do – it's fiscally responsible. The cost of inadequate special education support often shows up later as:


  • Increased dropout rates leading to lower lifetime earnings

  • Higher rates of involvement in the juvenile justice system

  • Increased need for social services in adulthood

  • Lost economic potential for our communities



An infographic titled "(Some Of) The Inequities Faced by Students with Disabilities in Public Schools." It cites the U.S. Department of Education's 2021-22 Civil Rights Data Collection.

At the top, a yellow circle highlights the statistic: "14% of public school students receive special education services under IDEA." Below, text states, "Students with disabilities make up 14% of the public school population, yet they experience disproportionate levels of exclusion and disciplinary actions. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for equitable policies and practices to ensure all students have a supportive and inclusive educational experience."

The infographic then displays four sets of human icons to illustrate key data points:

"Nearly 8 out of 10 of all physical restraint" (8 yellow and 2 green figures).
"Nearly 7 out of 10 of all solitary isolation" (7 yellow and 3 green figures).
"30% of all suspensions and expulsions" (3 yellow and 7 green figures).
"30% of all youth in juvenile justice programs" (3 yellow and 7 green figures).
The visuals highlight disparities faced by students with disabilities in schools. The branding for Highlighter is shown at the top.


A Call to Action

To our state and local policymakers: The time for incremental changes has passed. The CRDC data shows us that disparities in special education are systemic and require bold policy solutions. We need:


  1. Immediate Legislative Action: Draft and pass comprehensive special education reform bills that address funding, accountability, and access

  2. Local Policy Reform: Revise district-level policies on discipline, advanced program access, and teacher support

  3. Budget Priorities: Make special education funding a top priority in the next budget cycle


To parents and advocates: Use this data to support your advocacy efforts. Contact your state representatives, school board members, and local officials. Share your stories and demand action based on this evidence.


The Path Forward

At Highlighter, we're committed to supporting both families and policymakers in understanding and acting on this data. We call on state and local officials to:


  • Review the complete CRDC findings

  • Meet with special education advocates and families

  • Draft concrete policy proposals addressing these disparities

  • Set specific timelines for implementation

  • Establish clear accountability measures


The data is clear. The need is urgent. The time for meaningful policy change is now.

Comments


bottom of page