The NSSES is taking place in the 2026-27 school year and will provide the field with national estimates of what states, districts, and schools spend to provide students with disabilities special education services. The U.S. Department of Education has partnered with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC), and Allovue, a PowerSchool company, to administer this important study.

Are you a district administrator?

We have scientifically selected districts to participate in the NSSES study. Participation in this study will help generate updated, national-level estimates of total education spending for students with disabilities and the additional costs of special education relative to general education. 

Are you a school administrator?

Your district has approved your school’s participation in the NSSES pilot study. Findings from the NSSES will inform federal, state, and local policymaking related to special education finance, budgeting, and program design.

Have you been asked to complete a survey?

Survey Data collection will begin in winter of the 2026-27 school year. If you are asked to complete a survey, a member of our study team will provide you with information regarding how to access your survey.

• School Student Resources Survey (SRS): School staff will be asked to complete a survey about the instruction and services each sampled student receives as well as student need.
• District Financial Data and Fiscal Officer Survey: District officials will be asked to submit data from their financial information systems and complete a survey about aggregated special and general education spending.
• District Program Survey: District officials will be asked to complete an online survey about their special education service delivery models and resources used to administer special education programs and comply with federal and state special education laws.

Visit the related project page on AIR’s website for additional information about the study, including FAQs.