Trends in special education case law: Frequency and outcomes of published court decisions 1998-2012

Zorka Karanxha, Perry A. Zirkel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Executive Overview •This article determines the frequency and outcomes of published court decisions under the IDEA for students from pre-K through grade 12, starting in January 1998 and ending in October 2012. •The frequency of these decisions trended upward during the 15-year period, particularly during the most recent five-year interval. •The conclusive outcomes favored districts on a 3:1 basis both overall and on relatively consistent longitudinal basis; however, the intermediate outcomes partially ameliorated this pronounced pro-district tendency. •The Second Circuit region (New York, Vermont, and Connecticut) had the highest volume of cases, and the Tenth Circuit (Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming) had the lowest. •The Eighth Circuit (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nevada, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas), was the leader in the pro-district outcomes, and the D.C. Circuit was the most district-favorable circuit court region.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Special Education Leadership
Volume27
StatePublished - Sep 15 2014

Keywords

  • Due Process
  • Special Education

Disciplines

  • Disability Law
  • Education Law

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