Overview of Special Education
- Sam Shepherd
- Mar 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 6, 2024
Special Education is extremely valuable for individuals with developmental disabilities from pre-school through the age of 21. There have been many ways in which special education has improved over time. However, there are improvements that 3DA advocates for.
As of 2022, there are 7.3 million students receiving special education or related services, such as having an IEP or 504 Plan. Special education is defined as "the practice of educating students in a way that accommodates their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs. This involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings." There are many important facets within special education, some of which are mentioned in brief within this article.
IEP
An Individualized Education Program, commonly referred to as an IEP, is the document that students receiving special education services have to provide specialized instruction and supports to succeed within the classroom. An IEP is typically created in conjunction with the parents of a child receiving an IEP, someone within the school district, and other applicable parties. IEPs started in 1975 under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) and has since served as a vital part of education for millions of students.
504 Plan
Similar to an IEP, a 504 Plan is a more broadened plan to give a child with a disability reasonable accommodations within a classroom setting. The term "504 Plan" came from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was passed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding.
F.A.P.E.
Having a free appropriate public education (F.A.P.E.) is essential for everyone, especially individuals with developmental disabilities. This concept was also created under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in addition to being a guaranteed right under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You can read more about F.A.P.E. in our short article here.
Teacher Shortages
Unfortunately, there has been a national shortage in special education teachers, which strains an individual's opportunity at receiving a free appropriate public education in fulfilling their IEP and/or 504 Plan, and can also make it more difficult for current special education teachers that are forced to have a bigger workload than normal. As of 2023, 42 states were reported to have shortages in special education teachers. In numerous states, they have fought the shortages by lowering licensing standards for special education teachers as well as giving emergency teaching permits.
3DA in the Classroom
3DA supports all students, parents, teachers, and others involved in special education. Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, etc. involved in special education, we would love to hear about your stories and experiences in special education.
For more information regarding special education, you can check out the following articles:
