Where is Special Education for Students with High Prevalence Handicaps Going?

Abstract

In recent years, more than 4 million handicapped students received special education services supported in part by federal monies supplied for compliance with provisions specified in Public Law 94–142. The numbers of different types of handicapped students served was the focus of this research. Data from 50 states indicating the proportion of students classified in 10 categories of exceptionality were compiled and analyzed. Analysis of average percentages of students served in each handicapping condition for the 1978–1982 time period indicated consistent increases in numbers of learning disabled students, consistent decreases in numbers of speech impaired and mentally retarded students and relatively constant numbers of emotionally disturbed students and students with physical handicaps. Similar trends were evident when data were analyzed across geographical regions of the country; however, considerable variability in numbers of students classified was evident when data from individual states were analyzed. The significance of the findings was discussed with regard to alternative answers that arise when considering what the data mean and what professionals can and should do about them.