Special Education in California Schools

Despite recent California policy changes aimed at increasing equity and improving student outcomes, challenges in serving students with disabilities persist for many school districts. This brief identifies needed additional policy action including increased funding, modified governance and accountability structures, and expanded teacher preparation and training. The brief also highlights the encouraging endeavors of several public school districts and charter schools in the area of special education where district leaders, school administrators, and classroom teachers are finding ways to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the current policy context.