Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities

Abstract

School choice for students with disabilities is difficult to achieve when being “counseled out”, encouraged not to apply, or not being given the right programs as the school does not have them. Many charter schools cannot afford the high cost of educating a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and do not have a special education director or school psychologist on staff to help with these needs. A survey of charter school teachers would help to determine areas of improvement for serving students with IEPs. Teachers work with these students continuously and should know how to help serve these students. Several possible improvements include: having a special needs certified staff member at all times, increased training and awareness, and a group that can help charter schools navigate the laws and regulations of special education.