DC Public Schools has been struggling for years to reduce the amount it spends annually on private school placements for special education students who cannot get their academic needs met in the public system. The focus is now on the main underlying factor: Too many District children are being misdiagnosed with learning disabilities.

For many parents, outside placements are the only way their learning-disabled children can get the specialized academic services they need and are entitled to under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.