Where Are Students With Autism and Intellectual Disability Learning? Placement Trends in California

Abstract

The variability in placement of students with autism and intellectual disability and lack of access to general education for these students suggests the need to identify factors associated with placement and then address the role of current policy. This article presents the results of a 5-year trend analysis of placement of students with autism and intellectual disability in California and the relationship between these trends in placement and district factors. Results suggest trends in increased access to general education environments for both groups of students and relationships between the probability of placement in general education settings and the percentage of students in the district who receive free or reduced-price meals. Implications for district and state leaders are discussed.