"It is the practice of educating students in a way that accommodates their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs."
Special education is a sub-field of education that focuses on meeting the needs of students with disabilities. It covers topics like individualized education plans, accommodations and modifications, and assistive technology.
Laws and Regulations: Understanding the laws and regulations governing special education provision including The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Types of Disabilities: Overview of different types of disabilities that may require special education services such as cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, sensory disabilities, and communication disorders.
Assessment and Evaluation: Methods and tools used to assess and evaluate students with disabilities. This includes formal assessments, observation, and informal assessments.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Understanding the process of developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs which are legally binding documents that outline the student's special education services, goals, and accommodations.
Classroom Management and Strategies: Different strategies and techniques for managing a special education classroom and effectively working with students with disabilities. This includes positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and adaptive teaching techniques.
Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration with parents, other educators, and related service providers such as OTs and speech therapists. This includes building relationships, fostering trust, and maintaining confidentiality.
Technology in Special Education: Overview of assistive technology and tools that can be used to support students with disabilities in the classroom, and understanding how to integrate technology into teaching and learning.
Cultural Diversity in Special Education: Understanding the impact of cultural diversity on special education provision, and developing strategies to support families and students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Transition Planning: Developing transition plans for students with disabilities as they move from school to post-secondary education, employment, or independent living.
Behavior Management: Developing strategies for managing challenging behaviors in students with disabilities including functional behavior assessments, positive behavior intervention plans, and crisis management techniques.
"This involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings."
"To help individuals with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community."
"Learning disabilities, learning difficulties, communication disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, and other disabilities."
"Through different approaches to teaching, the use of technology, a specifically adapted teaching area, a resource room, or a separate classroom."
"Some scholars categorize gifted education under the umbrella of 'special education', but it is different because of the students' capabilities."
"Special education is designed specifically for students with learning disabilities, while remedial education can be designed for any students who have reached a point of unpreparedness."
"So that the maximum number of students are served in general education environments."
"It can reduce social stigmas and improve academic achievement for many students."
"It is the standard curriculum presented without special teaching methods or supports."
"Sometimes special education classrooms and general special education classrooms mix."
"It is another term used to describe special education."
"Osteogenesis imperfecta, cerebral palsy, lissencephaly, Friedreich’s ataxia, and muscular dystrophy."
"Yes, it falls under the category of developmental disabilities."
"Educators modify teaching methods and environments to serve the maximum number of students."
"Dyslexia is an example of a learning difficulty that may require special education."
"Yes, special education caters to individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders."
"The goal is to help them achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success."
"Yes, special education involves adapted equipment and materials to accommodate individual differences."
"It ensures that teaching procedures, equipment, and settings are tailored to meet the specific needs of each student."