While special education enrollment at all levels has increased since SY2013-14, the overall increase has been driven by additional Level 1 and Level 3 students, at 76% (from 4,086 to 7,202 in SY2023-24) and 64% (from 1,143 to 1,877 in SY2023-24), respectively. Level 4 students have grown by 39% since SY2013-14 (from 2,120 to 2,947 in SY2023-24). Over the same period, the total special education enrollment increased by 48%, from 10,613 to 15,775 while the total eligible population increased by 19%, from 78,091 students to 93,024.
The number of students identified with special education need Levels 1 and 4 increased in SY2023-24 compared to the year before. However, there are slight declines in the number of students identified with special education need Levels 2 and 3 in SY2023-24 compared to SY2022-23.
Change in Public School Special Education Enrollment by Level of Need, SY2013-14 to SY2023-24
Source: OSSE Audited Enrollment, SY2013-14 to SY2023-24
Note: Only students between the ages of 3 and 21 can qualify for special education status per federal requirements.
