Increasing the federal share of funding for special education is paramount, and should be addressed before considering future funding for newly created programs that may not have proven results for program effectiveness. Specifically, funding for competitive grant programs should be weighed against the need to address Congress’ promise to fund the federal share of a 40-year-old mandate (i.e., IDEA) that has superseded other local budget priorities for the majority of school districts and communities. IDEA must be fully funded—as well as requirements from the Elementary and Secondary
