Since SY2013-14 the total special education enrollment increased by 56%, from 10,613 to 16,591 while the total eligible population increased by 20%, from 78,091 students to 93,974. While special education enrollment at all levels has increased during that timeframe, the overall increase has been driven by additional Level 1 and Level 3 students, at 84% (from 4,086 to 7,521 in SY2024-25) and 73% (from 1,143 to 1,981 in SY2024-25), respectively. Level 4 students have grown by 49% since SY2013-14 (from 2,120 to 3,150 in SY2024-25).
The number of students identified with special education increased across all levels in SY2024-25 compared to the year before.
Change in Public School Special Education Enrollment by Level of Need, SY2013-14 to SY2024-25
Source: OSSE Audited Enrollment, SY2013-14 to SY2024-25
Note: Only students between the ages of 3 and 21 can qualify for special education status per federal requirements.
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