Special education costs in local school districts in Massachusetts have risen over the past five years and have reached 20 percent of budgets statewide, says an interesting story in the Boston Globe.
The article says the increase could be explained by a rise in the number of students who have more-severe disabilities. Also, better medical care has saved the lives of infants who are born prematurely or with severe disabilities, who otherwise would not have survived years ago. Such babies are more likely to grow up with special needs, the article said.
Since special education services are mandated by law, school officials have to turn to the regular budget for cuts, the Globe reports.
