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What is Special Education?
The California Education Code (section 56031)
defines special education as:
- Specially designed
instruction to meet the unique needs of individuals with exceptional
needs (IWENs), whose educational needs cannot be met with modification
of the general instruction program; and
- Related
services, which are needed to assist IWENS to benefit from specially
designed instruction. Special education is an integral part
of the total public education system. Other features of special
education are:
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It is provided in a way that promotes maximum
interaction between students with and without disabilities in
a manner which is appropriate to the needs of both.
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Services are provided at no cost to parents.
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It provides a full range of program options
to meet the educational and service requirements of individuals
with exceptional needs in the least restrictive environment
(LRE) The LRE is generally the setting that is most similar
to those attended by general education students.
Special
education for eligible students, ages 3 through 22, provides necessary
specially-designed instruction, aids, and services, as determined
by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.
Examples of Specially Designed Instruction
- Systematically
teaching a student to walk
- Use
of pictures in a lecture-type lesson
- Use
of manipulatives in an algebra lesson
Examples of Specialized Aids
- Books on tape
- Textbooks with enlarged print
- Auditory training equipment
- Communication boards
- Physical modifications
- Footrests
Examples of Support Services
- Collaboration and consultation with teachers and parents
- Modified lessons
- Functional behavior plans
- Orientation & mobility
- Sign language support
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The IEP team, of which the parent is an important
member, determines a student's eligibility and identifies any needed
program, aids, services, and instruction considered necessary for
the student to progress in school. The needed program, aids, and
services must be provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Members of the student's IEP team meet at least once a year:
1. to review the student's
progress, the IEP (i.e., program and services),
and the appropriateness of the placement;
and
2. to make any necessary changes in the child's
program.
It is important to know that…
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Special Education is the provision of necessary instruction,
aids, and services for eligible students such as:
- Brailed Homework
- Auditory Trainers
- Modified Curriculum
- Physical Assistance
- Behavior Plans
- Speech and Language Instruction
- Various Accommodations
- Adapted Physical Education
- Occupational Therapy
- Consultation with various School Specialists
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But also remember that
And
Special Education is NOT appropriate for situations
where supplementary aids or services for students with learning
difficulties that are due primarily to cultural or economic differences,
lack of familiarity with the English language, or limited school
experience. In addition, special education is
not designed to meet the needs of students who have temporary physical
disabilities.
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