States Report an Increase in Special Education-Related Complaints

A survey conducted jointly by the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Association for State Directors of Special Education shows a significant uptick in state complaints related to special education, based on responses from 31 states. Overall, written state complaints increased from 7,907 in the 2024-2025 school year to 11,523 (a 45.7% increase) in the 2025-2026 school year. Among respondents, three states saw a slight decrease during that time period. Mediation and hearing requests have also increased over the last year, but to a much lesser extent. While there is no single reason for the increase in the rate of state complaints, many families have reported a lack of faith in the U.S. Department of Education, which is widely perceived to be reducing capacity. Despite this substantial increase in complaints, states are required to address each complaint within 60 days, even as they – just like the education field nationwide – experience high rates of staff shortages and turnover, making it extremely difficult to provide timely resolutions.