Special education, also known as special needs education, is the practice of educating students with special educational needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings, and other interventions designed to help learners with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and their community. Special needs can range from learning disabilities to physical disabilities.
Special education is a program that is specifically designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Special education is also known as special needs education, and it is specially designed instruction that takes into account the student’s individual differences and needs.
The main goal of special education is to give the child a chance to learn in the same manner as a child who does not have disabilities. This type of education has made great advances since it began in 1975 with the passage of Public Law 94-142, which has now been reauthorized as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The term “special education” can be defined as “education which is specially created or modified to meet the unique needs of children who require special needs.” It can also be defined as “a form of specialized instruction for students who are at risk or have been identified by law as having a disability.” In addition, it can also be defined as “specially designed instruction or supplemental aide and services provided at no charge to parents/guardians to meet the unique needs of eligible students.”
Special education is designed within an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is developed and implemented by educators, parents, school psychologists, related service providers, and district representatives. The goal of this process is to ensure the student’s academic success and development of life skills. A special education teacher plays a vital role in helping children with learning difficulties and disabilities learn how to function socially and academically in an inclusive environment.
Special education refers to the practice of educating students with special needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of learning experiences based on the student’s needs, taking into account his or her interests, abilities and pace of learning. Special education is also known as special needs education, or exceptional education. It is an inclusive model that is ideal for all students.
The purpose of special education is to provide a free and appropriate public education to students with disabilities. The idea behind this is that even students who cannot learn through typical means still deserve access to an appropriate education, and that school districts must therefore develop plans to meet those individual needs. School districts are held accountable for meeting these expectations through the IDEA legislation. In order to receive special education services, a student must have a disability that falls under one of the 13 categories of disabilities listed in IDEA: autism spectrum disorders, deaf-blindness, deafness, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment (including deafness), intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments (such as ADHD or diabetes), specific learning disability (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia), speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury.