The State of Special Education in Catholic Schools

Abstract

Catholic educators in recent years have worked to increase their schools’capacity to provide special education services to more students. The expansionof federal programs to support students with special needs has aided in dealingwith this issue, but it has also exacerbated problems. The exacerbation comesfrom the increased focus on both the needs of children and the inability of theschools to respond positively as often as they would like. The aid comes in theform of some governmental assistance as well as increased financial supportfrom local sources. However, the demand for services continues to exceed theresources available to respond. This paper explores the current dimensions ofthis situation.