January 15, 2010

Implementation Plan for the Reform of Special Education: A Two-Year Phase-in Process Focusing on the Advancement of Student Learning and Achievement

For the 2008-2009 school year, the New York City (NYC) Department of Education (DE) spent about $102 million for tuition to private schools for students needing specialized education services. The city's special education tuition bill was about $89 million the previous school year. To control the cost, as well as improve the city's special education services, on February 26, 2010, the district released a plan to reform special education services. By September 2011, all NYC schools will serve the majority of students with disabilities in their in their area. Private school placements will be reserved for students with low-incidence disabilities or highly specialized needs.