In a trend emerging across the country, New York charter schools are serving markedly fewer high-need special education students than their public school counterparts.

Statistics show that all but 1 percent of students with disabilities attending charters are in mainstream classrooms. Meanwhile, 33 percent of special education students in New York City public schools are in segregated classrooms.

The concerns come as a push is on within the New York legislature to expand the number of charter schools, which are publicly financed, but privately run.

In addition to low enrollment of high-need students, parents say charters are quick to dismiss those with special needs who don’t fit easily into their programs.

One mom who had high hopes when her son was admitted to a Bronx charter says it took months for her son to receive promised speech therapy and other special services. And it didn’t take long for teachers at the school to say they couldn’t work with the boy who has difficulties with attention, anxiety and speech in addition to a diagnosis of epilepsy, reports the New York Daily News. To read more click here.

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