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# Questions About the Case Study **Describe the case study and the problem in your own words.** Do you know any similar cases from your personal or professional life? Write your answers in 3-5 sentences. **Further Cases:** You can find further examples in the book "Learning in Special Education"...

# Questions About the Case Study **Describe the case study and the problem in your own words.** Do you know any similar cases from your personal or professional life? Write your answers in 3-5 sentences. **Further Cases:** You can find further examples in the book "Learning in Special Education" by Lutz & Gebhardt (2021). # The Case of Mia Mia needs to find a school that fits her abilities. Instead of just one school, there are various support centers (formerly special schools) for specific special education needs. The idea is that a student can find a suitable school within a differentiated system with multiple options. Students adapt to the school, but research shows that matching a student with a perfect school placement is challenging, regardless of whether it is a special needs or general school at the secondary level (Wocken 2000; Ditton & Krüsken 2006). Problems occur when determining the proper placement (special needs or mainstream school) and within the different secondary levels. Children from disadvantaged families have a disproportionately high rate of attending lower secondary school levels (OECD, 2019, p. 90). This is especially challenging when transitioning students with special educational needs. While a student's abilities and needs should be a significant factor, family factors and school structure also play a major role (Lintorf & Schürer, 2023). Special education support isn't solely based on diagnostic criteria; it's influenced by the school system's ability to address current challenges. Special education support should not only focus on the individual but consider multiple aspects. # Figure 1: Perspectives in Special Education  **Figure 1:** This diagram illustrates different perspectives in special education. It shows overlapping circles for "General School" and "Special School". The four perspectives are: * **Biological - Individual:** Focuses on biology and the individual student's needs. * **Social - Interactional:** Emphasizes social interactions and the student's relationship with others. * **Institutional:** This perspective considers the organization and structure of the school system. * **Systemic:** Focuses on the broader societal structures and impacts. **Concept:** The diagram presents a view opposed to the homogenization and differentiation according to achievements or categorization into various schools. The idea is to approve the acceptance of inclusive education and diversity while adjusting schools to accommodate different learning needs (Preuss-Lausitz 2016). Inclusive classrooms include students with diverse learning needs aiming at promoting classroom learning and community.