Special Education

Special education is the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings, and other interventions designed to help learners with special needs achieve the greatest possible personal self-sufficiency and success in a school and community.

Students with learning disabilities, mental health issues, special care needs, specific disabilities- both developmental and physical, and even gifted learners are those whose special needs must be addressed within the classroom setting. However, in a general setting, the concept of "special education" refers almost exclusively to children and students that are mentally handicapped, have learning disabilities, and other seriously disabling conditions.

There are many different teaching approaches to use when teaching a student with special needs. Teachers must find a curriculum and content that suits the special needs individual. Just like in non-special educational classes, special education children learn at different levels. The challenge for teachers is that they must use differentiated instruction to adapt their curriculum and fit the needs and interests of all children.

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