Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Instructor/Advisor
Dr. Gerardo Gauthier-Zayas & Dr. Audrey Falk
Abstract
Understanding the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities in vulnerable school districts prompted this scholarly policy review of the federal underfunding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Through discussion of the historical approach to educating students with disabilities that necessitated the passage of IDEA, to IDEA becoming a reality in theory but not in practice across the span of five decades is at the core of this policy impact report. Data informed research is discussed that points to the intersectionality of poverty and overidentification for special education services, while funding continues to lag from the federal government. Through this policy impact report, we intertwine distributive justice to highlight inequity in education driven by lawmakers, to the detriment of marginalized students with disabilities. This report is designed as a starting point for stakeholders to assess federal governance of special education policy and promote advocacy efforts to provoke meaningful reform.
Recommended Citation
McCain, Monica A., "Addressing the Federal Underfunding of the Individuals with Disabilities Act and its Impact on Urban School Districts" (2025). Community Engagement Student Work. 134.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/134