Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org
Public schools across the nation provide special education services to more than 7 million students with disabilities—about 14 percent of all public school students.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act reflects the federal government’s commitment to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities and pay 40 percent of the additional cost, but that commitment remains unfulfilled.
The federal share of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has fallen to less than 16 percent.
Help all students get the support and tools they need for learning.
Key Facts About Funding IDEA
Public School Students
14%
Public schools across the country today provide special education services to more than 7 million youngsters or 14 percent of public school students.
Federal Government's Commitment
40%
The federal law has always included a commitment to pay 40 percent of the average per student cost for every special education student. In the 2019 fiscal year, the federal government provided less than half of the full funding level for states.
Federal share of the average per student cost
13%
The federal share of the average per student cost was 13 percent in the 2020 fiscal year, the smallest share since the 2000 fiscal year.
Funding Gap
$23.6 billion
In the school year 2020-21, the federal appropriation was $23.6 billion less than full funding, which states and districts had to cover.
Filling the Gap
A burden on local communities
This shortfall creates a burden on local communities and denies full opportunity to all students—with and without disabilities.
A History of Progress
1973
1973
President Nixon signs the Rehabilitation Act, which replaces the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, to emphasize services to expand federal responsibilities and training programs for individuals with disabilities.
1975
1975
President Ford signs the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The law guarantees access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to every child with a disability. The law promises that the federal government will cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education.
1990
1990
The Individuals with Disabilities Act replaces the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The law includes a requirement that public schools create an Individualized Education Program that specifies the services to be provided and how often, as well as accommodations and modifications to be made. Pres. George H.W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Downloads
Learn More
Do More
Ready to stand up for public schools?
We need to build our communities. We need to fully fund public schools. We need to hold our elected leaders accountable to the people. And we need your help to make it happen.
Get Special Education Resources
All students deserve an education that sparks their curiosity and desire to learn. Special education fits our most vulnerable students’ unique needs.
