According to annual accountability ratings released by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) on June 20, 2025, a total of 37 states or territories need assistance for meeting special education targets for students ages 3-21. Only 19 states and the Republic of the Marshall Islands meet requirements, and two educational entities, the Bureau of Indian Education and the District of Columbia, need intervention. No state, territory or education entity had the lowest rating that would need substantial intervention. States needing assistance with IDEA compliance and student outcomes should receive technical assistance.
The most recent accountability ratings analyzed states’ progress in implementing the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in federal fiscal year 2023. The accountability system also accounts for improvements to student outcomes and is based on data from FFY 23 or for two or more prior consecutive years.
Twenty-one states, territories, and outlying areas had a needs assistance rating for one, two or more consecutive years. Four states — Arkansas, California, Hawaii and Nevada — were labeled as needing intervention.
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