This report synthesizes the findings of seven studies of instructional services provided in the State of Washington to at-risk students and describes the current state of the art in the education of those special needs children. The report answers the following five questions: (1) Who are the special needs children in Washington's schools? (2) What special program services are available to students with special educational needs? (3) Are these programs reaching the different segments of the special needs student population? (4) Are all of the needs of these students being met effectively? and (5) How are the special program services provided to those students who qualify for them? The following findings are discussed: (1) there is no single adequate definition of special needs students; (2) most special programs concentrate their efforts in the early elementary grades; (3) most special programs are successful in improving the education of special needs students; (4) the pull-out model is the primary method of special program service delivery; (5) districts are trying to coordinate their special program resources; and (6) undesirable consequences of these coordination and integration efforts may penalize students with special educational needs. Three recommendations for quality education for at-risk students are discussed. (PS)