If you’ve spent any time in schools lately or talked to families with kids in public education, you’ve probably heard about the huge spike in special education needs. It’s not just a local issue. From Maine to California, more students are being identified for special education services than ever before.
More Students, More Needs
Let’s talk numbers for a second, but not just for the sake of statistics. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 7.5 million students were receiving special education services in the 2022-2023 school year. That’s 15 percent of all students in the U.S.—the highest it’s ever been. A decade ago, it was closer to 13 percent. Some states, like Pennsylvania, are even higher, while others, like Hawaii, are a bit lower.
But what’s behind all these new identifications? It’s not just one thing. There’s a mix of reasons, and they’re all tangled together.
- The pandemic made a mess of routines and learning for everyone, but students with learning differences were hit especially hard.
- Autism diagnoses are up, partly because people are more aware and screening is better.
- Schools and families are more open to early intervention and support than they used to be.
- Some states have changed their rules, making it easier for kids with things like dyslexia to qualify for help.
A special education director in New York put it this way: “We’re seeing needs we haven’t seen before, and we’re seeing more of them. The pandemic didn’t create these challenges, but it definitely made them more visible and urgent.”
A Real Example From the Classroom
Here’s a story that stuck with us. In a district outside Columbus, Ohio, a speech-language pathologist named Maria (not her real name) said her caseload jumped from 45 to 68 kids in just two years. “Every week, there’s another request for an evaluation,” she explained. “We’re all trying to keep up, but it’s tough.” If you talk to educators in other states, you’ll hear similar stories. The pressure is everywhere.
Not Enough Teachers or Money
The big problem? Schools can’t hire special education teachers fast enough. Districts in almost every state are struggling to fill positions. Some are hiring people with emergency certifications, while others are turning to outside contractors. According to K-12 Dive, more than half of school districts say they don’t have enough qualified special education staff. That’s a recipe for burnout.
Money is another sticking point. The federal government promised to cover 40 percent of special education costs decades ago, but the real number is much lower. Jessica Levin from the Education Law Center says, “Without adequate funding, it is impossible to meet the educational needs and legal rights of students with disabilities, including ensuring there are sufficient numbers of qualified teachers.”
Trying New Ideas
Despite all these hurdles, some schools are getting creative. Here are a few things happening:
- Multi-tiered systems of support are helping schools catch academic and behavioral challenges early, sometimes before special education is needed.
- Technology is making a difference for some students, but only if teachers have the time and training to use it well.
- Families are getting more involved in planning and checking on their children’s progress, which can make a real difference.
Dr. David Bateman, who’s worked in special education for decades, says, “The shortages increase caseloads, cause burnout among staff, and reduce the quality of individualized instruction and support. And then, we’re constantly retraining staff, which impacts consistency.”
Where Do We Go From Here
The truth is, there’s no single solution. But one thing is clear: the old ways aren’t working. We need more teachers, more funding, and more flexible approaches. If you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, you’re already part of this conversation. The next few years will be crucial for figuring out how to support every student, no matter how they learn.
Because when it comes down to it, every child deserves a fair shot at success.
Citations
- Disability Scoop. (2025, June 4). Special Education Enrollment Hits All-Time High. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/06/04/school-districts-face-soaring-demand-for-special-education/31478/
- K-12 Dive. (2024, December 15). Special education enrollment climbs to nearly 8M. https://www.k12dive.com/news/special-education-enrollment-climbs-to-nearly-8M/700000/
- Education Law Center. (2023). Special Education Funding and Staffing. https://edlawcenter.org/research/special-education-funding-and-staffing/
- Chalkbeat. (2024, October 20). How to fix special education staffing shortages. https://www.chalkbeat.org/2024/10/20/special-education-staffing-shortages/
- National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). Students with Disabilities. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg
