Congress Poised To Increase Funding For Special Ed.

By Joetta L. Sack

Washington

Congress has laid the groundwork for increasing its share of the costs of teaching students with disabilities, furthering a long-standing goal supported by a broad coalition of disability-rights groups, educators, and legislators from both parties.

In its nonbinding budget resolution for the fiscal year that starts next Oct. 1, the House calls for spending an additional $2 billion for state grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the main federal special education law. The Senate Budget Committee has approved an additional $11.3 billion over five years in its budget resolution.

Supporters say an increase would help districts defray the rising...