This summer, the U.S. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) issued a report which found that New Jersey’s special education programs had improved in most, but not all categories. In spite of the state’s positive performance in 18 of 20 areas, OSERS determined that New Jersey “needs assistance” in meeting the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Federal officials identified two areas of concern, both of which have to do with how the state provides general supervision of local districts.
New Jersey was commended for its performance in other categories, including improved data collection. One category that has long troubled New Jersey and other states is the disproportionate amount of minority students classified as disabled. The state exceeded federal standards in resolving these investigations, according to the report.
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