Special education is offered for those requiring special handling because they are in some way handicapped, because they are mentally challenged, or because they have special abilities which may require a more nurturing environment. Such an education costs more than general education, often 2 to 2.5 times as much. Educators give reasons for these higher costs, analysts offer reasons for the higher costs, and politicians have to justify them. In New York State, the high costs have become a matter for some concern so that educators and political leaders are seeking ways to reduce the costs without sacrificing the quality of instruction, and it is not clear at this juncture whether this is possible.
Education in a democratic society holds a special place for improving social standing, educating the electorate, and providing opportunity to all. Educational level is a powerful indicator of social inequality on several levels. The level of educational attainment achieved by the individual determines to a great degree the type of job that person will be able to get and thus the economic and social level to which they may aspire. In many businesses, continuing education is necessary for advancement and so adds further to stratification in the business world. Social inequality is often measured in terms of educational level as much as it is economic level, and perceived failures in the educational system, such as are noted in the inner cities of this nation, are blamed for many social problems based on resulting inequities in employment, social aspirations, and other dimensions. Thus the issue of equalizing education has ramifications far beyond the educational system itself.
The special education program is funded by both the state and federal governments. Special education mandates cost federal and local taxpayers between $30 and $50 billion each year, though it is believed that this money is not spent in an efficient manner....