What is the Purpose of Special Education? Who can get it? In a Nutshell

What is the Purpose of Special Education, Who can get it?

Individuals with disabilities need to have a voice in the world, and for this reason, special education programs came into existence.  By law, all individuals between the ages of 3 and 21 have the right to receive educational and social services in which the public school systems and various other educational institutions must provide.  Special education programs allow students to meet educational success.  Special education laws, such as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEAA), require specific instructions to protect the rights of those with disabilities.

The following are disabilities that qualify students for special education services:

• Physical Disabilities
• Learning Deficits
• Behavior Disorders
• Medical Conditions

How did special education laws come into existence?

Due to the poor quality of education previously offered to those with deficits and disorders, laws emerged to provide these individuals with the same quality education provided to non-disabled students. In 1975, the Education for Handicapped Children Act (EHCA, PL-142) required states to provide a “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE) to all students, including those with behavioral, physical, and mental disabilities.  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that special education services be made available to children with any disability—regardless of the severity and type of disability.   The law also requires that students receive their education with their non-disabled peers in an appropriate program to the maximum amount possible.

What types of services are available through special education programs?

Special education services are available to students diagnosed with a disability that “adversely affects their educational performance” in school.   Special education programs offer a range of services for students who qualify.  Services may vary from student to student, depending on the specific needs of the student.  The support services available to special education students are psychological assessment, therapy and physical assistance, behavior modification techniques, psychotherapy and counseling, modified learning environments, and assistive learning devices.

What happens after a student is identified as needing special education services?

A team of individuals—including parents, special education teachers, school psychologists, regular education teachers, school administrators, and other school staff—form an interdisciplinary team to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  The IEP is a comprehensive plan that includes all necessary methods for a student to receive the best possible chance of educational success.  Each IEP is different because the needs of each child are different.  The IEP should include the following:

• Specialized disciplinary methods for students with behavioral or emotional issues
• Definable academic goals and objectives (short-term and long-term)  that address the educational approach to academic problems
• Current educational performance based on multiple assessment methods and techniques
• An individualized healthcare plan (IHP) for those requiring medications and special medical attention
• Specifics as to the manner in which a student’s progress will be measured over time