Small Schools in N.Y.C. Pressed on Spec. Ed.

Grants for teachers will help schools serve more students.

New York City has been at the forefront of a movement to shift students from large high schools to smaller, more personalized learning environments. But some advocates have claimed that students in special education or who are English-language learners have been left out.

This fall, the school system is stepping up its efforts to encourage small schools to serve such students.

Ten new small schools will use grants of up to $45,000 a year for two years to hire a lead special education teacher when they open next month. Another 10 new schools will receive $45,000 for one year to hire an extra teacher certified...