TEACHING YOUNG SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

Teaching Young Special Needs Children

Abstract

Special education is a service provided to students with educational disabilities. This article provides a general overview of the history, current practices, and contemporary issues regarding special education. It focuses on special education practices in the United States, although other developed nations implement comparable practices and share similar concerns. It also provides a brief review of international issues in special education.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION1

THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF IDEA1

Zero Reject2

Nondiscriminatory Evaluation2

Appropriate and Beneficial Education2

Least Restrictive Environment3

Procedural Due Process3

Parent and Student Participation3

ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL STUDENTS4

CHARACTERISTICS OF SPECIAL STUDENTS4

Learning Characteristics5

IMPLICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND FAMILIES6

Teaching Young Special Needs Children

Introduction

Special students comprise nearly 13% of all American school-aged children. Approximately 10% of students in the United States are diagnosed with disabilities, whereas 2 to 3% of the population is characterized as gifted or talented. The education of students with disabilities in the United States is governed for the most part by Public Law 94-142, also known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Although Special students can be separated into 13 disability categories under IDEA, each student is unique. The individualized teaching needs of Special students must often be determined using alternative types of assessments. According to these assessments, the most appropriate placement, services, and instructional modifications are put into place for each student. Special students can be educated in a range of educational settings, including the regular classroom. Under IDEA, students with disabilities receive an education according to an individualized education plan (IEP) designed around their unique needs and goals. Special educational plans may also be arranged for gifted or gifted students. Because of the careful identification of goals and individualization of instruction, collaboration between professionals and families is critical for the successful education of Special students.

The Six Principles of IDEA

Special students often require specialized education to meet their unique needs or to accommodate and build on their Special talents. The majority of students with disabilities and students who are gifted or talented require special education. IDEA ensures a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities. Under IDEA, there are six important principles that dictate how students with disabilities are diagnosed, evaluated, placed in educational settings, and educated. These principles are discussed in the following subsections.

Zero Reject

The zero-reject principle ensures that no student can be denied an education due to the presence or severity of a disability. A student with a severe learning difficulty or severe behavior problem may not be denied services or expelled from school due to his or her disabilities. Under this principle, a student who is terminally ill or has a contagious disease may not be denied a FAPE either.

Nondiscriminatory Evaluation

The second principle of IDEA ensures nondiscriminatory evaluation of any student who has, or is suspected of having, a disability. Several types of assessment are conducted by an interdisciplinary team of biased members. No evaluations may be conducted without parental consent. All decisions pertaining to a disability diagnosis and to educational evaluation are made by a committee that includes ...