Special Education

Core Elements of Special Education

U.S. special education was formally established through federal law. Now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA; Pub. L. 108–446), it was originally passed in 1975 and called the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Pub. L. 94–142). Special education is provided to all students from ages 3 through 21 who are identified as having a disability. Funding also is granted to U.S. states to provide services to infants and toddlers ages newborn through 2 years, but the extent and administration of these services vary considerably by state. Although most individuals use the term special education to refer to all aspects of education for students with disabilities, it actually has three parts: special education, related services, and supplementary aids and services.

In IDEA, special education means specially designed instruction provided for students that is matched to the students' unique needs. Special education may include instruction in a general education classroom, a separate special education classroom, a hospital or other institutional setting, the student's home, or other settings. It also encompasses instruction in physical education. In most locales, special education is delivered primarily by special education teachers, but general education teachers, paraprofessionals, specialists, and other professionals also may have responsibility for providing special education, depending on state and local laws and policies.

The second component of special education is related to services. This broad area includes transportation as well as developmental, corrective, and other support services that students need in order to receive a free and appropriate public education. Many supports that students with disabilities receive are considered related services, including speech/language services, physical and occupational therapy, special transportation arrangements, social work, counseling, orientation and mobility services for students with visual impairments, and medical services (but not including implanted medical devices or their replacement) that help a student benefit from special education.

The final component of special education consists of supplementary aids and services. These are aids, services, and other supports provided in general education that enable students with disabilities to be educated in such settings. Supplementary aids and services can range from simple and inexpensive to complex and costly. Examples demonstrating the range of options include preferential seating in the classroom; curriculum changes, such as fewer items on assignments or extended timelines for completing work; access to technology such as text-to-speech software, special communication devices, or changes in grading procedures; availability of the support of a paraprofessional; and professional development for teachers so that they have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach a particular student.

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