Special Education (SPED) in schools refers to a range of services designed to help students with disabilities learn and make progress in school. These services are provided through specially designed instruction, individualized education programs (IEPs), and a continuum of special education services tailored to the unique needs of each student. Special education teachers provide instruction to small groups of students with disabilities, and the goal is to ensure that students receive appropriate opportunities to achieve their educational goals. Special education also emphasizes the concept of the least restrictive environment (LRE), which means that students who receive special education services should learn in the same classrooms as other students as much as possible.
Special education services may include highly specialized instructional support for students with significant challenges, placement in non-public or state-supported schools, integrated co-teaching services, and a twelve-month special service and/or program for students with disabilities. The class sizes for special education programs are limited to ensure a high degree of individualized attention and intervention, with the goal of providing each student with appropriate opportunities to achieve their annual goals.
In summary, special education in schools encompasses a variety of services and programs aimed at meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities, providing them with the support and resources necessary to learn and make progress in their academic journey.