Massachusetts Receives Highest Rating for Special Education for Seventh Consecutive Year

Massachusetts Receives Highest Rating for Special Education for Seventh Consecutive Year Recent budgets signed by Governor Healey invest over half a billion dollars in special education EVERETT – The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has once again recognized Massachusetts with the highest rating a state can receive and awarded the state a “Meets Requirements” determination for the seventh consecutive year. The designation reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality educational services and support to students with disabilities.   Governor Healey proposed the highest-ever funding amount for the Special Education Circuit Breaker in her fiscal year 2026 budget and fair share supplemental budget, which the Legislature supported. This financial assistance to public school districts helps to offset the highest special education instructional and transportation costs. The 2026 budget fully funds it at $675 million. The historical increase in funding builds on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) efforts to improve educational access and experiences for students with disabilities, including strengthening the Individualized Education Program (IEP) form and process, updating Public School Monitoring and Problem Resolution System procedures and updating regulations on the use of time-out practices in schools to keep students learning with their peers as much as possible and increase communication with families.   “Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in providing high-quality education for all of our students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am proud of our work with the Legislature to fund special education at the highest level ever to support our students, educators and schools.”   “Receiving the highest rating for seven consecutive years reflects our unwavering commitment to helping every child receive the supports and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Congratulations to the incredible students, families and educators who made this possible.”   The federal Office of Special Education Programs assesses state educational agencies on their compliance with federal requirements and on outcomes experienced by their students with disabilities. This includes compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), student outcomes, student participation and achievement on statewide assessments and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), graduation rates, and equity in who is identified as having a disability.   “This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of our educators, administrators, families and students,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This designation is a point of pride, and we will continue to improve services for students with disabilities.”   “I am proud to join a state that demonstrates such a consistent commitment to serving students with disabilities. We will continue to build on this strong foundation by partnering with districts, educators and families to help students access high-quality services that meet their needs,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez.   The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports districts through targeted technical assistance, professional development, resources, and monitoring, including: Training and coaching for educators in evidence-based instructional practices; Comprehensive reviews of district policies, practices and procedures related to special education; and Stakeholder engagement initiatives to ensure families and community voices inform improvement efforts. “Today’s news is the result of years of dedication and investment by the Legislature, the Administration, local leaders, and—most importantly—our incredible educators,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate believes that when we support people with learning challenges, we strengthen our entire Commonwealth. This recognition shows that our efforts are making a difference, and I’m committed to continuing this important work for all our residents.”   “The Commonwealth is once again recognized for our strong commitment to special education priorities,” said State Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "We will continue to meet the needs of all of our students no matter the circumstance.”   “In Massachusetts, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that is right for them,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I am proud of the work that the Legislature has done alongside the Healey administration to increase our investment in special education, and we will continue to improve and expand these investments to support our students, families, and teachers going forward.”