This article discusses how the concept of efficiency in special education services is translated into specific practices. A paradigm is presented that quantifies a measure of student need, ties school allocations to student needs, tracks actual expenditures on special education, and links those expenditures to quantifiable measures of student…

This article investigates the rising costs in special education and discusses results from a study of 34 states that indicate federal funding for special education has changed relatively little, state share of funding has decreased, and localities are shouldering an increased financial burden (from 37 to 45 percent). (Contains references.) (CR)

A study examined the costs of different models of inclusion and traditional special education preschool programs in five local education agencies in five states. Results show lower costs associated with more inclusive models as compared to traditional forms of special education provision on an annual and per hour basis. (Contains references.)…