A new Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution (CADRE) analysis shows increases in written state complaints and due process complaints but also high mediation agreement rates. According to the analysis, the number of special education written state complaints jumped by 22% in the 2023-24 school year compared to the year prior.
Written state complaints involve a state-led investigation into a special education-related concern brought forward by anyone. CADRE’s data shows there were 9,927 written state complaints filed in 2023-24, which represents a 79% rise over the previous 10-year average of 5,537. CADRE’s analysis is based on data collected by the U.S. Department of Education.
state complaint data suggests states are struggling to keep up with the demand because of limited capacity and resources.
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