As reported by K-12 Dive, according to a summary of state determinations issued June 18, 2026 by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) more than half of U.S. states and territories did not meet annual targets for implementing federal special education services for students with disabilities ages 3-21. The recent state determinations issued by the USDE are based on an analysis of performance indicators from fiscal year 2024.
The state determinations for implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) also found that only 22 states meet the law’s implementation requirements and improvement efforts for early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays.
As schools experience both an uptick in the number of students with disabilities qualifying for special education services and a special educator shortage, the IDEA state and district accountability system play an important role in ensuring schools are meeting students’ needs.
Source: K-12 Dive