Special Education Definition
Under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special education is defined as specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
The Importance of Special Education
Special education is in place to provide additional services, support, programs, and specialized placements or environments to ensure that all students' educational needs are provided for. Special education is provided to qualifying students at no cost to the parents.
There are many students who have special learning needs and these needs are addressed through special education. The range of special education support will vary based on the child's need.
The resources in this section are to help you:
- Learn and understand the laws governing special education
- Advocate for your child with special needs
- Understand the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan that outlines your child's special education services in the school system