Special education service delivery is often the source of disputes between parents and districts and an issue in special education class-action lawsuits. Despite these controversies, there has been little large-scale research on the delivery of services. This study represents a large-scale assessment of the delivery of special education services…

The U.S. spent an estimated $50 billion on special education services in the 1999-2000 school year. Another $27.3 billion was spent on general education services, and an additional $1 billion was spent on other special needs programs for students with disabilities. The total spending to educate students with disabilities represents 21.4% of the…

IDEA Part B funds have more than doubled between the 1999 and 2003 fiscal years, from $4.3 billion to $8.9 billion. This is an increase from 8% to 13% of total special education spending. Increases in federal funds can theoretically support "program growth" by providing fiscal relief to states and districts facing rising special…