Navigating the landscape of special education services can be a complex task for parents and caregivers who may be looking for the best place for their family to live. One of the ways people often try to assess the quality of special education services in their area is by looking at state-level data. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) releases annual rankings of states and territories based on their implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, it’s important to understand that while these rankings provide a broad overview, the individual experiences of parents living in these states can be hard to quantify. Networking with people in the same state can help understand the variance of services from county to county and school district to school district. That’s where qualitative insights and advice from local special education advocates and lawyers come in handy. In this guide, we’ll first summarize the state-level data for 2022 and then provide advice on how to conduct your own research.

Politics do matter when choosing the best state for Special Education

In my experience practicing this area of law, States, School Districts, towns, and counties that have a more progressive, liberal government tend to offer the best services to children with special needs. The social safety net is much stronger. Taxes also tend to be a bit higher in these areas to help fund these types of programs but for my own family, this is an easy tradeoff. If we had to personally fund all the services my child needs we’d be bankrupt. We happily pay our taxes and give back to the community where we can. We hope that someday, as a result of the evidence-based interventions he receives, and his own hard work, my child will be able to be independent and give back as well. Overall remember, wherever you decide to live, if the school district can fund the football program, they can and should pay for special education.

Here are the 10 most liberal states:

1. Massachusetts
2. Hawaii
3. Rhode Island
4. California
5. New York
6. Vermont
7. Maryland
8. New Jersey
9. Connecticut
10. Oregon

it’s important to understand that while these rankings provide a broad overview, the individual experiences of parents living in these states can be hard to quantify…

State-Level Rankings for Special Education

The IDEA requires the Department of Education to issue annual determinations for Parts B (school aged children), evaluating each state’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of these parts. Here’s a summary of the 2024 rankings:

Meets Requirements:

Needs Assistance (for only one year):

• Arkansas
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Idaho
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Needs Assistance (for two or more consecutive years):

Needs Substantial Intervention:

• Bureau of Indian Education

Taking Control of Your Special Education Research

While these rankings can give you a general idea of your state’s performance in special education, it’s crucial to remember that they may not reflect the day-to-day experiences of families in your specific area. To gain a more accurate understanding, consider the following steps:

• Connect with Local Advocates and Lawyers: Reach out to special education advocates and lawyers in the area you are considering. They often have valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local system.
• Join Online Communities: Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to special education can provide a better insight into the realities faced by families supporting children with special needs. Connect with parents in your area to share experiences and gather advice.
• Consult with Local School Districts: Contact your local school district’s special education department to understand the services they offer and any challenges they may face.
• Attend Local Meetings: Attend local school board meetings and special education advisory council meetings to stay informed about policy changes and initiatives in your area.
• Visit Schools: Arrange visits to schools and meet with teachers and administrators to get a firsthand look at the resources and programs available.

By combining quantitative data with qualitative insights and advice, you can make more informed decisions about the best course of action for creating an IEP and for your child’s special education needs. Remember that every situation is unique, and what works for one family may not work for another. Taking an active role in your child’s education and seeking guidance from local experts is key to ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

Ultimately, The Best State for Special Education is the One You’re In.

The real question shouldn’t be “Where can I move to get good services for my child”? It should be “How can I get the services my child is entitled to by federal law where we currently live?” Your child has the right the a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment, which means in their home school. To get that you may need to work harder in some places than others, but the fight for your child is worth it and may even help children coming after them. I hear conversations with parents from the same school districts with completely different experiences of how their child was treated, so the solutions ultimately will be individual. But the more parents who take on this challenge on behalf of their children, collectively, the more children overall will benefit, in every school district and every state.

For more information on IDEA and state determinations, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s IDEA website.