This investigation matters because:
- Special education compliance cases in Georgia have nearly tripled since 2021, signaling growing problems with how districts serve and discipline students with disabilities.
- The Cobb County case shows how discipline decisions tied to disability-related behavior can trigger state violations and force policy and training changes.
- With more students nationwide needing special education services, strained staffing and uneven training could leave more families facing disrupted learning and denied supports.
COBB COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The number of Georgia school districts found out of compliance with special education law has nearly tripled in recent years, rising from 68 cases in 2021 to 190 last year, according to records from the Georgia Department of Education.
The trend is illustrated by a recent case in Cobb County, where the state found the district imposed discipline for behaviors directly resulting from a student’s disability.
The Georgia Department of Education determined in January Cobb County Schools was out of compliance with special education law after it repeatedly suspended a 15-year-old student with autism…