Special Education

Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This means education that is individually developed to address a specific child's needs that result from his or her disability.

Special education (known as special-needs education, aided education, exceptional education, exceptional student education, special ed., SEN, or SPED) is the practice of educating students in a way that provides accommodations that address their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings. These interventions are designed to help individuals with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community, which may not be available if the student were only given access to a general education classroom. Special education is separate from a 504 plan, as a 504 plan provides accommodations and services which allow students with disabilities to gain access to public education, but who do not require specialized academic instruction. Students with disabilities or special needs who require specialized academic instruction from a special educator must have an Individualized Education Program IEP developed. Some students with an IEP go into a special education classroom, and some students with an IEP can participate in general education classes with accommodations, modifications, and/or push-in/pull-out services.