What Is Special Education?
Understand what “special education” means and the basics of the IEP document.
Understand what “special education” means and the basics of the IEP document.
Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Since each child is unique, it is difficult to give an overall example of special education. It is individualized for each child. But in general, special education for any student will be:
Your child’s Individualized Education Program (the blueprint for her special education services) does not necessarily cover her entire education. The IEP only addresses those educational needs resulting from your child’s disability. If your child needs special education support throughout the school day for all activities, the IEP will cover all these needs. If your child doesn’t need special education support in one or more areas, such as physical education, music, or science, then the IEP will not include these subjects. Your child will access them through the general education curriculum/class, without special education services.
It’s also important to understand that special education is not a place. It’s a set of services that can be provided in many different places, depending on the child’s needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) says that as much as possible, children with disabilities should be educated in the general education classroom with their peers without disabilities. If your child is going to spend any part of the school day not participating with peers in the regular classroom and in other school activities, then the IEP must explain why.
In each state or school district the IEP form can look different. Under IDEA, every IEP must include:
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI's) funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The Texas PTIs help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and participate as team members in planning services for their children. PRN offers workshops and assistance on a variety of topics related to disabilities and special education. You can use their website to locate the PTI that serves your area.