Who Leaves and Who Stays in Special Education: A 2-Year Follow-up Study

A 2-year follow-up study assessed the stability of special education students' mobility, status, and classification labels. A total of 1,184 students were selected in fall 1982 from the elementary special education programs of three cities. Two years later, 92% remained in their school district. Of these, 71% stayed in special education with the same classification, 12% remained with a different classification, and 17% were no longer receiving special education services. The child's original primary classification was the strongest predictor of reclassification and termination. Family background contributed most to mobility. Implications for practice and research are discussed.