Virginia receives a top rating for Special Education

RICHMOND (WSLS 10) - Virginia has earned the highest possible rating from the U.S. Department of Education for the fourth year in a row.

The department looked for the Commonwealth's compliance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act.

"This rating reflects the passion Virginia special educators have for helping students with disabilities achieve their full potential as students and as members of their communities," Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said. "The details of the federal report also provide a list of areas where our school divisions may need additional guidance and support from the state."

The state earned the maximum number of points possible on all 10 compliance indicators - including indicators related to the disproportionate identification of minority students for special education services and disciplinary actions.

The 2016 IDEA state report cards are based on data from the 2013-2014 school year.