Special Education

Approximately 143,000 eligible students in Washington state receive special education and related services. OSPI fulfills the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures all children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education.

N.D. v. Reykdal Settlement Notice

On November 22, 2024, the Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington approved the settlement agreement in N. D. v. Reykdal. For more about this case, see the 9th Circuit Order and OSPI Q&A. As part of the settlement agreement in this case, students are a member of the class and eligible for consideration of compensatory education if they were eligible for special education and were exited from special education based on their age (often called “aging out”) prior to turning twenty-two years old at any time between November 11, 2020, and the present. If you think this settlement may apply to you, see:

On June 23, 2025, the Court issued the Order Granting Final Approval in N.D. v. Reykdal. To read the Order, see:

Inclusionary Practices

OSPI is committed to advancing inclusionary practices for students with disabilities. Visit this page to access our library of implementation resources and connect with a statewide network of technical assistance providers that can support your district in adopting inclusionary practices. 

Data Collection

Under IDEA, the OSPI Special Education Division is required to submit an Annual Performance Report (APR) to OSEP that incorporates performance indicators (provided by OSEP) and targets for each indicator. In addition, OSPI must report annually to the public on the performance of each school district or educational service agency located in the State of Washington on the target’s set in the state performance plan (SPP).

Dispute Resolution

These pages contain dispute resolution options available under IDEA.

Early Childhood

These pages contain technical assistance resources for special education staff, administrators, and families of preschool children who receive special education services.

Funding & Finance

These pages provide school district employees and the general public with a central location to find information relating to special education funding.

Guidance for Families

These pages are dedicated to providing students and families with information about special education, to ensuring that students and families know about their rights and answering questions they may have about how the process works.

Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN)

The Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) is a collaboration between OSPI and education partners across Washington state that provides coordinated technical assistance, resources, and professional development to districts to disrupt segregated systems of disproportionality and reduce exclusionary practices in Washington schools. As part of the ongoing efforts, IPTN will continue to provide tiered levels of support to districts that have data showing the highest rates of exclusion, including hosting demonstration site visits that elevate high quality systems and practices. Districts engaging with the IPTN will receive funds for targeted support aligned to their local improvement goals, ensuring that inclusion is not only a practice but a measurable outcome.  

Laws & Procedures

IDEA is a federal law ensuring services to children with disabilities. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.

Program Improvement

The Program Improvement Team collaborates with school districts to ensure improved educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities.

Resource Library

This resource library is intended to provide guidance and professional development resources on behalf of students with disabilities.

Secondary Transition

Secondary transition services are intended to help youth with disabilities make the transition from the world of high school to the world of adulthood.