Mass. is Tops for Special Ed, Say Feds

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is proud to announce that earlier this summer, it received a Meets Requirements annual determination from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs for the sixth consecutive year, the highest rating a state can receive. This achievement underscores Massachusetts' ongoing commitment to providing high-quality educational services and support to students with disabilities.

The federal Office of Special Education Programs assesses state educational agencies on their compliance with federal requirements and on outcomes experienced by their students with disabilities. Massachusetts consistently demonstrates exemplary performance in several key areas, including implementation of effective educational practices and the provision of equitable opportunities for all students. Massachusetts is one of 21 states to receive the Meets Requirements determination this year. Over the past six years, only nine other state agencies have consistently received Meets Requirements along with Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts schools are ranked number one in the country, and that’s in large part due to our commitment to ensure that every student gets the high-quality education they deserve, including special education,” Governor Maura Healey said. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our incredible educators, students and families. We will continue building on this strong foundation and support every child in reaching their full potential."

“Achieving six consecutive years of meeting the Office of Special Education Programs' requirements is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration remains steadfast in supporting and enhancing educational opportunities for all students, ensuring every child receives the quality education they deserve.”

Key highlights:

• High performance: During the reporting year, over 80 percent of Massachusetts students with disabilities graduated with a regular high school diploma. Also, 99 percent of students with disabilities in grade 4 and 97 percent of those in grade 8 participated in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).
• Equitable access: Massachusetts helps students with disabilities access a range of educational opportunities, such as inclusive classroom settings and specialized programs designed to meet a variety of needs.
• Ongoing improvement: The Department remains committed to continuous improvement, using feedback from evaluations and stakeholder input to enhance and refine special education services across Massachusetts.

“Reaching this milestone six years in a row is an affirmation of our collective efforts to advance special education in Massachusetts,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “We know more works needs to be done, and we will continue to tirelessly build upon this success and foster an educational environment where every student has the opportunity to excel."

“Our Educational Vision calls for learning experiences in which every student is known and valued and every student receives the individualized supports they need,” said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “We know that students with disabilities can be successful, and we will continue to improve our special education supports to schools, districts and families.”

The Department supports schools and districts by annually allocating over $300 million federal dollars in special education funding and through technical assistance, guidance and professional learning opportunities.

Image Courtesy of Mass. DESE