"Supporting the Needs of Millions: The Rise of Special Education Programs in US Schools. Every year, over seven million K-12 students with disabilities rely on special education programs to receive the tailored support they need to succeed in the classroom. These programs, mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provide essential services, accommodations, and modifications to help students with a range of abilities, from learning disabilities to physical and emotional challenges. As the nation's student population becomes increasingly diverse, schools are working to ensure that these programs are accessible, effective, and provide a pathway to academic success for all students, regardless of their abilities."


Special education programs help schools serve more than seven million K-12 students with disabilities nationwide.