The purpose of this paper is to provide special educators and education policymakers with a conceptual and technical framework for examining alternative approaches for funding special education. Four fundamental policy issues are posed that are central to funding special education; the resolution of these questions will guide the selection of an appropriate funding approach for special education within a state. To assist in evaluating special education funding systems a full range of criteria are proposed. Finally, alternative funding approaches for special education are identified and analyzed for their fiscal and programmatic effects using both the policy questions and criteria as standards.
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