Primers on Special Education in Charter Schools

The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) has published a set of three documents that provide a straightforward explanation of special education in charter schools, addressing areas most critical to the successful implementation of special education. Charter school operators are encouraged to visit http://www.uscharterschools.org/cs/spedp/print/uscs_docs/spedp/home.htm to use the Primers. Printed copies of the individual Primers or a compiled version containing all three are available for the cost of postage. The Primers are also the core of this special website developed to provide additional training resources on the topic of special education in charter schools.

The Primers website also contains a checklist of special education considerations designed to help charter schools understand the many issues to be considered for a special education program, such as:

• Funding for special education
• Space and facilities
• Human resources
• Curriculum
• Service Provision
• Professional development
• Administration
• Transportation

Also included are web links to a variety of support organizations that provide information to: develop and operate consistent with federal nondiscrimination laws; set professional standards; provide professional development; help professionals obtain resources necessary for effective professional practice; inform charter school operators regarding their obligations to parents of children with disabilities; and many other resources.