CPS Defends Special Education Overhaul

CPS Defends Special Education Overhaul

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A WBEZ investigation found Chicago Public Schools scaled back special education spending and services after secretly instituting new rules. Critics say kids are being denied critical help they need.

But, in a letter to WBEZ, CPS Chief Forrest Claypool says the new rules give every child with special needs the chance to succeed. He says new uniform standards are more fair, help CPS better track services, and make staff more accountable. 

Claypool also contends some of the information in WBEZ reports around special education staffing levels and a reduction in student services is misleading or inaccurate.

But WBEZ stands behind its reporting. The analysis relied on CPS data and was vetted by school district officials before publishing.