What is the Purpose of Special
Education?
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 teacher, school
psychologist, regular education teacher,
school administrator, 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 from 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
What right do parents of students with
disabilities have?
Parents
have the right to assist with the decision-making process in regards to their
child’s education. The child and their
parents have legal right, and they may challenge any recommendation decided by
the school and its staff members. If a
disagreement occurs, parents may hire legal representation, request an
evaluation from independent consultants, or request informal or formal
hearings.
From DyslexiaMyLife.org
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