Primers on Implementing Special Education in Charter Schools

This Primer for state-level administrators has been developed to provide information and resources for state officials involved with policy and oversight of charter schools. The content is specifically designed to address the needs of state officials as they work to facilitate the successful inclusion of students with disabilities in charter schools. This primer opens with a general background on legal issues and responsibility for special education in charter schools.

This primer for state officials is organized differently than the other two primers. To meet the unique needs of state education agencies (SEAs), the sections include: charter school basics; charter schools and special education basics; key policies and procedural issues for state agency units; key special education policies for consideration by state special education personnel; and SEA assistance during charter school developmental stages.

Although there are many complex aspects of developing and managing charter schools, the primers address only those areas most critical to implementing special education successfully in charter schools. They are not intended to be a complete treatment of special education law or practices. In fact, due to the legal foundation upon which special education is built, charter schools and states are strongly urged to consult an attorney and experienced special education professionals for specific legal questions about special education.