The Views of Special Education Parents: Schooling Experiences and Opinions during the COVID-19 Pandemic--A National Polling Report [November 2021]

Unless otherwise noted, data and charts are based on surveys conducted between July 14 and October 16, 2021 among a sample of 1,007 special education parents and 3,648 non-special needs parents. The interviews were administered online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of parents based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region. Among the key findings are: (1) Both special education parents and non-special needs parents have had similar levels of comfort with their child returning to school in the first months of the new school year; (2) Two-thirds of special education parents would like to have their child be schooled at home at least one day per week; and (3) Compared to non-special needs parents, special education parents find much more value in resources aimed to help their child--especially individualized learning plans, additional summer school offerings, and additional school days on the weekend. This report highlights findings related to: (1) COVID-19 and schooling; (2) views on K-12 education; (3) school choice policies; and (4) the survey profile and demographics.