Special education (SPED) is a releasedonkey.com/ set of educational services designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. SPED services may be provided in a variety of educational settings, including public schools, private schools, and residential schools.
Students with disabilities may qualify for SPED services if they have a disability that affects their ability to learn and requires additional services and resources to effectively participate in school. Common disabilities that qualify for SPED services include:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Cerebral palsy
- Deafness or hearing loss
- Developmental delay
- Emotional disturbance
- Intellectual disability
- Orthopedic impairment
- Specific learning disabilities (SLDs), such as dyslexia and dyscalculia
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Visual impairment
SPED services are designed to help students with disabilities reach their full potential. SPED services may include:
- Individualized education programs (IEPs): IEPs are tailored to the specific needs of each student with a disability. IEPs outline the student’s goals, the services that they will receive, and how their progress will be measured.
- Special education teachers: Special education teachers are trained to teach students with disabilities. They use a variety of teaching methods and strategies to help their students learn.
- Related services: Related services are designed to help students with disabilities learn and participate in school. Related services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling.
SPED services can be a valuable resource for students with disabilities and their families. SPED services can help students with disabilities learn and succeed in school and in life.
Here are some additional things to know about SPED:
- SPED services are free and appropriate for all students with disabilities.
- Students with disabilities have the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means that students with disabilities should be placed in a general education classroom as much as possible.
- Students with disabilities have the right to participate in all school activities, including extracurricular activities.
- SPED services can continue after high school. Students with disabilities may receive SPED services at a community college, four-year university, or vocational school.
If you have any questions about SPED or if you think your child may qualify for SPED services, please contact your local school district.