The number of special education written state complaints jumped by 22% in the 2023-24 school year compared to the year prior, according to a new analysis by the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education, a federal technical assistance center.
Written state complaints involve a state-led investigation into a special education-related concern brought forward by anyone. CADRE’s data shows there were 9,927 written state complaints filed in 2023-24, which represents a 79% rise over the previous 10-year average of 5,537. CADRE’s analysis is based on data collected by the U.S. Department of Education.
Although CADRE’s analysis doesn’t explore the causes for trends in dispute resolution activities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, CADRE Director Melanie Reese said in an email that the state complaint data suggests states are struggling to keep up with the demand because of limited capacity and resources…