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Special Education

Information and resources that support the provision of high-quality, inclusive educational programs and services for students with disabilities, ensuring access, opportunity, and achievement across academic and nonacademic domains.
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Mission

The California Department of Education collaborates closely with education partners to create inclusive learning environments, deliver high-quality programs and resources, and support data-driven continuous improvement, ensuring that students with disabilities are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to achieve exceptional educational outcomes.

Families, Students & Educators

Family Involvement & Partnerships
Information regarding organizations, partnerships, and resources for parents, guardians, and families of students with disabilities.

Secondary Transition
Resources and guidelines to assist children and youth with disabilities as they transition from school to adult life.

Programs & Services

Integrated Monitoring
Information on California’s Compliance Improvement Monitoring system, California Special Education Technical Assistance Network, as well as other resoures for technical assistance and professional development.

Nonpublic Schools & Nonpublic Agencies
Information and resources regarding certified Nonpublic Schools and Nonpublic Agencies.

Policy, Compliance & Accountability

Dispute Resolution
Information and resources for resolving disputes in special education.

Fiscal Management
Oversight, monitoring, and administration of funds designated for serving students with disabilities.

Policies & Initiatives
Federal and state legislation, laws, regulations, policies, workgroups, commissions, and guidance related to special education.

Special Education Data
Special Education data collection and reporting.

News & Communications

Communications
Official messages from the State Director of Special Education, notices, newsletters, meeting agendas, and frequently asked questions.

Questions:   Special Education Division | SEDCO@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-4613
Last Reviewed: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Recently Posted in Special Education
  • California Annual Performance Report (updated 04-Sep-2026)
    Describes the State's progress or slippage in meeting the measurable and rigorous targets established in the State Performance Plan.
  • Data Collection & Reporting (updated 04-Sep-2026)
    Searchable databases containing special education related information and directories specific to California.
  • SWD in the Juvenile Justice Setting (added 25-Aug-2026)
    Report detailing the findings and recommendations of the workgroup that examined current law and practices regarding the education of students with disabilities (SWD) enrolled in county juvenile court schools and county community schools.
  • Nonpublic Schools Unit Interview Tool (added 24-Aug-2026)
    Interview Tool for Nonpublic Schools, pursuant to California Education Code 56366.1(k)(2).
  • Annual Performance Report Measures (updated 24-Aug-2026)
    Short summaries of special education program and student outcome data for California local educational agencies (LEAs).