The Editor’s Note: Big questions about special education

Abstract

Although the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is widely considered a landmark piece of civil rights legislation, and it has opened doors for many students with disabilities. However, as Rafael Heller explains, funding for implementation has fallen short and compliance with the law has become more important than actually meeting students’ needs. The March 2022 Kappan discusses some of the concerns about how IDEA is currently implemented and offers suggestions for improvement.