In recent years, enrollment growth in the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program has outpaced the growth rate for the overall Florida student population and the national population of children with disabilities. Factors contributing to this growth include demographic trends, advances in medical technology, and changes in federal policy.
There has also been substantial variation in the number of Florida children receiving the highest two levels of ESE funding in recent years, due in part to problems with implementing the program's funding matrix. These problems affect the funding allocated to school districts for ESE and the Department of Education's ability to develop effective policies for serving ESE students.
A comparison of student files with data from the DOE student database revealed that 25% of the files reviewed had at least one instance of data error, meaning that the matrix level, primary exceptionality, or educational setting listed in the student's file did not match what was reported in the DOE student database. These data errors contribute to the inaccuracy of figures reported by DOE to the Legislature.

Steps Taken to Implement the Exceptional Student Education Funding Matrix, But More Monitoring Needed
Report 08-24 April 2008
Steps Taken to Maximize Federal Revenue for Exceptional Student Education Program
Report 06-49 May 2006
Many Children Receiving Intensive Exceptional Student Education Services Are Served by Multiple Programs; No Unnecessary Duplication of Services Found
Report 04-39 June 2004
Maximizing Federal Revenue Could Help Offset Costly Services for Children with Disabilities
Report 04-16 February 2004

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.