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This special report, the first installment of a new three-part series on virtual education that builds on Education Week’s 2010-11 special coverage, examines the growing e-learning opportunities for students with disabilities, English-language learners, gifted and talented students, and those at risk of failing in school. It shows the barriers that exist for greater participation among special populations, especially students with disabilities, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of online education for these groups of students. It also takes a look at the new funding tactics schools are using to build virtual education programs for special populations and the evolving professional-development needs for these types of efforts.