Special Education
COVID-19 Resources
What's New
- June Monthly Update
- Improving Services in Partnership with Federal Special Education Monitoring
- Myths & Facts about Inclusionary Practices in Washington State - ECSE Edition
- Extended Myths & Facts about Inclusionary Practices in Washington State
- Questions and Answers: Providing Special Education Services Until Age 22
- Specific Learning Disability Technical Assistance Paper (SLD TAP) Drafts
Helpful Links
- Navigating the Special Education website
- Policy Guidance and Resources
- Monthly Updates and Webinars
- Procedural Safeguards
- Special Education & Institutional Directory
- Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)
- OSPI's Priorities for Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Contact Information
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:
- Court Order
- Settlement
- Settlement Notice (updated 2/24/25)
On January 6, 2025, the Plaintiffs filed the Plaintiffs’ Motion for Attorneys’ Fees and Plaintiffs’ Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement and Issue of Judgment Against the Defendant. To read these motions, see:
- Plaintiffs’ Motion for Attorneys’ Fees
- Plaintiffs’ Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement and Issue of Judgment Against the Defendant
Comprehensive Inclusive Education
These pages are a resource for all members of a student's IEP team (including students and family members, general education and special education staff, and administrators). Use these resources to support writing inclusive IEPs and implementing effective instruction in general education settings for any student receiving special education services.
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.