Mission & History

The mission of the DC Special Education Co-operative (“The Co-operative”) is to support DC public charter schools in providing high quality, compliant special education services that meet the diverse and often complex needs of students with disabilities, driving student growth and achievement.

In 1998, a group of charter school leaders, teachers, special education experts, and local chartering authorities came together to form The Co-operative, the first organization of its kind in the nation. The Co-operative was founded on the belief that, like traditional public schools, charter schools need the technical assistance and support of an educational service agency to create and build quality special education programs. Ten years later, The Co-operative, now recognized nationally as an innovative model, has been replicated in states across the country.

Our vision is that all students with disabilities in the District of Columbia Public Charter Schools receive a high quality education that prepares him or her for success in school and in life.

Do you share this vision? Become a Co-operative member today!