The number of students ages 6 to 21 enrolled in special education rose in the most recent year for which the federal government has data, driven by increases in the number of students classified as having autism or “other health impairments.” It was the fourth year in a row for such an increase.
In fall 2015, about 5.9 million students enrolled in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Bureau of Indian Education Schools received services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A year ago, enrollment in that age group was approximately 5.8 million. The peak enrollment for special education was 6 million in fall 2004.
The proportion of special education students in the 6 to 21 age range is also going up. In fall 2015, students with disabilities made up about 8.8 percent of the overall population of U.S. In fall 2014, that proportion was 8.7 percent.
The proportion of students with disabilities in that age group has been as high as 9.1 percent, in fall 2004.
Source: Education Week
