The Center is committed to proactively documenting and disseminating accurate information about the status of students with disabilities in public schools, especially in high-choice districts. We recognize the tendency to rely on anecdotal evidence in the conversation about special education in charter schools and beyond and seek to address this issue by conducting select qualitative and quantitative research. Examples of research projects include:

Bi-annual Analysis of the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC)

Every two years, the Center publishes a report that analyzes and synthesizes data collected through the U.S. Department of Education’s bi-annual Civil Rights Data Collection to document trends in charter school enrollment and education of students with disabilities including education placements, discipline, and school specialization. Currently entering its fourth cycle, this report serves as the keystone for the Center’s research initiatives, allowing for longitudinal analyses and emerging trends to inform efforts to improve how charter schools educate students with disabilities.

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Cross-case Analysis with the Center for Reinventing Public Education (CRPE)

Partnered with the Center on Reinventing Public Education to conduct 35 case studies to identify promising practices contributing to students with disabilities succeeding in charter schools.

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Policy Analysis

Examine and synthesize key characteristics of policy and practice (e.g., state charter law, special education finance, and enrollment and discipline data) shaping how charter schools educate students with disabilities across the nation.

Amplify Emerging Trends Through Social Media

Track and examine trends and issues emerging at the intersection of special education and charter school policy through engagement on social and earned media to elevate and catalyze problem-solving.

See Our Interactive Database: Trends in Special Education in Charter and Traditional Public Schools by U.S. State

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See Our Interactive Database: Trends in Special Education in Charter and Traditional Public Schools by U.S. State