Top 10 Resources

why special educators leave

Special Education Teacher Retention Guide

CLE, in partnership with the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, released a one-of-a-kind guide to support and retain special education teachers, titled “Why Special Educators Leave and How Leaders Can Keep Them: A Guide for Principals and System Leaders.” The toolkit includes tangible recommendations, ready-to-use tools, and role-specific checklists designed for quick adoption.

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CLE Testifies Before Senate HELP Committee

CLE’s Interim Executive Director Jennifer Coco testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on “Meeting the Individual Needs of All Students: The Role of Charter Schools.” The testimony elevated our core belief: the vast majority of students with disabilities can achieve at grade level — and forge a path to post-secondary education, employment, and independence — when they get the individualized support they need.

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Key Trends in Special Education in Public Schools (2020-21)

CLE’s Analysis of the Civil Rights Data Collection In September 2024, the Center for Learner Equity (CLE) completed its fifth analysis of the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) on access and opportunities for students with disabilities. Our key findings show progress in certain areas, substantial opportunity gaps for students with disabilities in others, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outcomes during the 2020-21 school year. Our analysis examines data trends around the enrollment, placements, disciplinary removals, and post-secondary outcomes of students with disabilities in both traditional and charter public schools. Our analysis also focuses on charter schools specializing in educating students with disabilities to understand their growth around the United States and some of their key characteristics. Key Findings Traditional public schools educate a greater proportion of students with disabilities than charters Charters educate different types of students with disabilities than traditional public schools In charters, students with disabilities are more likely to spend time in general education settings Students with disabilities continue to experience higher rates of disciplinary practices and lower access to college preparation than their peers Specialized charter schools, concentrated in a handful of states, are increasingly focusing on autism View [...]
diverse group of children sitting in a classroom waving

Key Trends in Special Education in Public Schools (2020-21)

CLE’s Analysis of the Civil Rights Data Collection The Center for Learner Equity is proud to release our sixth secondary analysis of the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC)’s January 2025 release, this time regarding the 2021-2022 school year. We have prepared two reports that offer an in-depth look at the experiences of students with disabilities in public charter schools and traditional public schools. Our analyses of CRDC data continue to reveal persistent disparities in enrollment, disciplinary practices, and access to college preparatory opportunities for students with disabilities. In our “Fast Facts” brief, we examine national trends in enrollment, placement, discipline, and postsecondary access for students with disabilities in both traditional and charter public schools. We also offer a separate brief on the topic of specialized charter schools, where we explore the growth and characteristics of charter schools that specialize in educating students with disabilities. CLE continues to urge elected officials and the U.S. Department of Education to protect and invest in the Civil Rights Data Collection. This data is critical to national transparency around protecting students' civil rights, informing inclusive policies, and ensuring all students with disabilities receive the opportunities and supports they deserve. Key Findings [...]
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Charter School Equity, Growth, Quality, and Sustainability Study

The two-year research study highlights how state policymakers, authorizers, nonprofits, charter management organizations, and individual schools can improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities. The Charter School Equity, Growth, Quality, and Sustainability Study is a research initiative that examines and documents efforts to improve the experiences of students with disabilities in the charter school sector. CLE conducted a thorough study, including scanning journalistic reports, interviewing key experts, and conducting a literature review to identify and explore actions taken by stakeholders. It also emphasized high-leverage practices for students with disabilities, particularly BIPOC students. The study resulted in a series of stakeholder reports and a case study of a dynamic charter ecosystem in Washington State, highlighting how state policymakers, authorizers, nonprofits, charter management organizations, and schools can improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities. In our research, CLE sought to achieve two primary objectives: Understanding Impact on Growth and Sustainability: Investigating how the experiences of students with disabilities influence the growth and sustainability of charter schools. Improving Student Experiences: Identifying actionable steps by key stakeholders to improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities in charter schools. View the Executive Summary State Actions to Improve Education Access and Outcomes for [...]
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Model Policy Guide – 2nd Edition | Model Policies for Equitable Access and Quality Opportunities for Students with Disabilities in Charter Schools

With their increased autonomy and flexibility, charter schools can be a promising educational option for students with disabilities. However, during the inception of the charter movement, very few people were focused on ensuring that state charter school policies addressed the needs of students with disabilities.

CRPE Cover, How Has the Pandemic Affected Students with Disabilities

How Has the Pandemic Affected Students with Disabilities? A Review of the Evidence to Date

CLE’s latest brief, How Has the Pandemic Affected Students with Disabilities? A Review of the Evidence to Date, examines the impacts of COVID-19 on students with disabilities based on a review of hundreds of studies. In particular, the report highlights widespread disruptions to student’s Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans. It also examines significant disparities in access to specialized services and draws attention to areas of further inquiry.