Special Education vs General Education

Special Education vs. General Education

• General education is the standard curriculum presented with standard teaching methods and without additional supports.
• The main idea of special education is to make adjustments to normal teaching to cater to specific types of learners.
• Special education aims to ensure that students with particular needs are not overlooked or neglected in the classroom.

Importance of Special Education

• Students have the right to learn and succeed based on their individual abilities, strengths, and needs.
• Language educators should adjust their teaching to encompass and meet all students' specific needs, including disabilities, language levels, proficiency, learning difficulties, talents, and psychological problems.

Types of Learners

• Students are diverse and have different needs, requiring teachers to address many types of learners.
• The mainstream education system (general education) can leave behind students with special needs.

Special Needs and Special Education

• Common special needs include challenges with learning, communication challenges, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disorders.
• Students with special needs can benefit from additional educational services, such as:
  • Different approaches to teaching
  • Use of technology
  • Specifically adapted teaching areas
  • Resource rooms

Special Education

• Intellectual giftedness is different from special education, as it requires specialized teaching techniques or programs, but does not reduce the ability to learn independently.
• Special education is specifically designed for students whose special needs hinder their ability to learn independently or in an ordinary classroom.
• The term "special education" is used to distinguish it from gifted education, which is handled separately.

Evolution of Special Education

• In developed countries, educators are adapting teaching methods and environments to include the maximum number of students in general education settings.
• Special education is viewed as a range of services available in every school, rather than a specific "place".
• Integration of special education services can reduce social stigmas and improve academic achievement for many students.

Definition of Special Education

• Special education is the provision of schooling or special support for students whose needs cannot be readily accommodated in the mainstream curriculum.
• Examples of students who may require special education include those with: • Emotional needs • Intellectual needs • Physical needs • Social needs