Special Education and the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Access to a free, quality education is the key to the uniquely American promise of equal opportunity for all. This promise was formally extended to children with disabilities with the passage in 1975 of landmark federal legislation now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Public schools across the country today serve more than 6 million youngsters with a wide array of disabling conditions.

The promise made in 1975 remains unfulfilled.

Ever since its initial enactment, the federal law has included a commitment to pay 40 percent of the average per student cost for every special education student. The current average per student cost is $7,552 and the average cost per special education student is an additional $9,369 per student, or $16,921. Yet, in 2004, the federal government is providing local school districts with just under 20 percent of its commitment rather than the 40 percent specified by the law, creating a $10.6 billion shortfall for states and local school districts.

This shortfall creates a burden on local communities and denies full opportunity to all students -- with and without disabilities.

Funding Tops List of Priorities for Improvements

Congress reauthorized IDEA in 2004 and NEA gave qualified support to the reauthorization bill, which includes positive provisions on professional development, paperwork reduction, early intervention and discipline.

Challenges remain, however. NEA continues to push for full funding and to improve the definition of "highly qualified" as it relates to special education teachers. Click here to learn more about NEA's proposals and what you can do to help.