A Tale of 3 Cities: Urban Perspectives on Special Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This report reviews, in the context of the upcoming reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the operation of special education programs in three cities: Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Case studies of each of the school systems address whats working in special education, current compliance, a snapshot of the school district, and stakeholder perspectives of special education in the district. An executive summary offers general observations, common concerns, recommendations, and a sampling of perspectives. Among general observations are that the most crucial issue for the reauthorization of IDEA is how to integrate special education with the reforms underway in general education. Common concerns include qualified personnel, early identification and intervention, academic accountability, and funding. The following recommendations are offered: (1) The IDEA should include incentives for qualified special education staff; (2) Congress should increase resources and attention to early identification/intervention, especially personnel training; (3) IDEA should provide more direction about standardized and other assessment and instruction of students with disabilities; and (4) Congress should fully fund IDEA. (DB)