Special education refers to the instruction of those with mental impairment, learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities. However, while most people associate special education with some kind of impairment, special education also applies to those who are exceptionally gifted or intellectually advanced.
As research and technology advances our understanding of how to accommodate the needs of the disabled (whether the impairment lies in mental, emotional or physical functioning), special education programs are becoming more and more effective, helping more students successfully graduate from them. Through these programs, many are able to develop careers, socialize in the community and pursue a successful, independent life.
Types of Special Education
Although a growing awareness special education needs has led to a proliferation of helpful programs, the exact services offered will vary from state to state and from community to community. However, in most cases, special education programs incorporate one or more of the following models:
- exclusion special education: This type of special education occurs at the hospital or live-in facility in which a disabled student resides and can't leave due to his or her impairment. Instruction held within juvenile detainment facilities is also considered to be exclusion special education.
Keep in mind that students suspended or expelled from the traditional education system and bound to study at home with one-on-one instruction are receiving segregation, not exclusion, special education.
- inclusion special education: Students who have minimal impairment and don't need much assistance (medical, emotional or otherwise) will likely participate in inclusion special education programs. While these students will attend traditional classes with their peers for at least half the school day, the rest of their instruction will occur in small groups with similarly disabled students.
- mainstreaming special education: In this type of special education, students receive instruction with their peers for limited, specific coursework. The bulk of instruction occurs in small groups with other similarly disabled students or in one-on-one tutorials with a teacher. Students who need moderate to significant assistance will likely be enrolled in mainstreaming special education programs.
- segregated special education: When a student is separated from his or her peers and receives one-on-one instruction, that student is receiving what is known as segregated special education. Those with severe learning disabilities or students that have been thrown out of the traditional education system (either through suspension or expulsion due to behavioral problems) are typically involved in segregated special education.
Tools of Special Education
Along with smaller class sizes, special education differs from traditional education in that it may:
- allow students to use assistive technologies, such as special keyboards, that improve their perception and/or comprehension
- alter coursework to make it more accessible and engaging for special needs students
- be held in special facilities that special needs students can access more easily
- change curricula to focus on subjects essential to special needs students, such as additional courses that teach disabled children basic skills (i.e. good behavior, hygiene, etc.)
As our understanding of children's special needs improves, educators will be able to further refine their methods of instruction to better teach, communicate with and support the educational needs of special education students.