Special Education: What Do the Latest Numbers Tell Us?

This newNASET series, Special Education: What Do the Latest Numbers Tell Us?, will present the most up-to-date information and current statistics from the federal government’s report (The 38th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2016) as they pertain to children with disabilities being served under IDEA in the United States.

Introduction

Since enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, Public Law (P.L.) 94-142, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education (secretary) [and predecessor, the commissioner of education at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare] has been required to transmit to Congress an annual report to inform Congress and the public of the progress being made in implementing the act. The annual reports to Congress reflect a history of persistent commitment and effort to expand educational opportunities for children with disabilities.

In December 2004, Congress reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (P.L. 108-446), which was signed into law in the same month. The provisions of IDEA became effective on July 1, 2005, with the exception of some of the elements pertaining to the definition of a “highly qualified teacher” that took effect upon the signing of the act. With reauthorization of IDEA, the nation reaffirmed its commitment to improving the early intervention and educational results and functional outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youths with disabilities (collectively this group may be referred to in this report as children with disabilities).

The 38th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2016 describes our nation’s progress in (1) providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities under IDEA, Part B and early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families under IDEA, Part C, (2) ensuring that the rights of these children with disabilities and their parents are protected, (3) assisting states and localities in providing for the education of all children with disabilities, and (4) assessing the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. The report focuses on the children and students with disabilities being served under IDEA.


Latest and Archived Issues- January 2017

Welcome to Special Education: What Do the Latest Numbers Tell Us?, NASET's e-publication for teachers working in the field of special education.

Special Education: What Do the Latest Numbers Tell Us? is a once a month education resource that provides NASET members with practical tools, strategies, and relevant information that they can use both in and outside of the classroom.  It is announced and made available for download via email in the Week in Review. PDF file version of each issue can be found at the end of the every issue.

Latest Issue:Infant and Toddler Served Under IDEA, Part C: Five Key Findings