Schools correctly identify special education students, audit finds

Washington’s public schools properly identified special education students and spent 26% percent more than the state provided to serve them, according to a new performance audit. 

The Legislature asked the Office of the Washington State Auditor to review the prevalence of disabilities in student populations in the state and compare that need to the funding available to identify and serve special education students. Auditors were also tasked with determining whether any populations were under evaluated or underserved in special education. 

Using a new statistical model developed for this review, auditors found: 

• Washington identified close to its expected number of special education students, relative the special education rates of other states.  

• No particular population is under identified for special education.  

• There were few indications of any race or ethnicity being under identified statewide. 

• There was little evidence to suggest that any disability was underserved by school districts. 

• The individual school districts reviewed generally followed correct processes related to identifying students for special education. 

School districts incurred more costs to serve those students than they received from state or federal funding, auditors found. In the 2022-23 school year, districts spent at least 26% more for each student than they received. However, legislation passed earlier this year increased special education funding and removed an enrollment cap on special education funding, which may alleviate the funding gap. 

“In the best tradition of rigorous inquiry, our findings provide a new, more accurate understanding that can help our state better address the needs of all our students,” said State Auditor Pat McCarthy. “Looking forward, however, collecting accurate data in this field remains a challenge.” 

The report includes recommendations to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which is developing a new statewide data system for special education.  

The full report and summary material can be found on the State Auditor’s Office website at Special Education Services: Comparing student needs to district funding and service provisions performance audit.

 Media questions: Assistant Director of Communications Adam Wilson, Adam.Wilson@sao.wa.gov, 564-999-0799.