More than 2,000 special education students in Chicago Public Schools are denied support they’re legally guaranteed. Federal scholarships could help pay for service, but only Gov. Pritzker opts Illinois into them.
Chicago Public Schools students not receiving special education services could have access to needed education therapies if Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers say “yes” to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program.
About 2,200 students were not receiving their legally required special education services and support as of September 2025 after CPS cut 250 special education teacher and 673 aides last spring.
One CPS parent shared a letter from her principal explaining the “school did not have the staff to provide the support” her student with a learning disability was legally due.
For this student and others in CPS and Illinois public school districts who might not be getting needed educational support, the federal scholarship tax credit provides a pathway to meet their educational needs if Gov. Pritzker allows it.
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, established by the Educational Choice for Children Act, would benefit public school students in Illinois looking to supplement their education, including with educational therapies for students with disabilities.
Starting in 2027, the scholarship funds can be used by students in public schools for
- Educational services such as educational therapies for students with disabilities
- Tutoring
- Additional educational classes
- Books
- Online educational materials
- Fees for standardized or college admissions exams
- Fees for dual enrollment allowing high school students to earn college credit.
This means Chicago students who may not be receiving the educational therapies they need or struggling in certain academic areas won’t have to leave their local public schools to find the support or opportunities they need. They can get money for the services from private donations, but only if Illinois politicians allow them to do so.
Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers should join the program
Chicago students need more support as evidenced by students not receiving the special education services and support they are legally due. Denying students this help because special interests are spreading myths would be wrong and cruel.
So, the question is, will Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers stand with students, or will they stand with special-interest teachers union bosses?
