Special Education in Public Schools
"There are varying levels of support for children with disabilities — ranging from minimal to very comprehensive. At one level, beyond staying in an ordinary classroom and getting extra support as defined by a 504 or Individualized Education Plan (the IEP is a legal documents that ensure children diagnosed with special needs get the services they need), some children are placed in separate classrooms with specialized teachers in an otherwise conventional public school. Depending on the philosophy of the school, these students' contact with the rest of the school varies widely. They may have almost no interaction with non-disabled students or other staff, or they may spend part of the day with their non-disabled peers, either in the classroom or on the playground." - Valle Dwight, a writer specializing on Learning Disabilities and a mother of a child with Down Syndrome
What Types of Special Education?
Separate Classes
"Kids in separate classrooms may have serious learning or behavioral issues and might remain for the duration of their school years at least part time in a separate classroom. Or their issues may be relatively mild and, after gaining academic or social skills, the child will join the ordinary classroom with extra support." - Valle Dwight.
Inclusive Classes
"There are also schools that embrace a philosophy known as inclusion, which places kids with disabilities into an ordinary classroom with typical developing kids and give kids with special needs dedicated support from specialists inside and outside the classroom. Inclusion has gained many proponents in recent years, arguing it's not only best for children with special needs, but it teaches valuable lessons about tolerance of a wide range of kids." - Valle Dwight.
"Kids in separate classrooms may have serious learning or behavioral issues and might remain for the duration of their school years at least part time in a separate classroom. Or their issues may be relatively mild and, after gaining academic or social skills, the child will join the ordinary classroom with extra support." - Valle Dwight.
Inclusive Classes
"There are also schools that embrace a philosophy known as inclusion, which places kids with disabilities into an ordinary classroom with typical developing kids and give kids with special needs dedicated support from specialists inside and outside the classroom. Inclusion has gained many proponents in recent years, arguing it's not only best for children with special needs, but it teaches valuable lessons about tolerance of a wide range of kids." - Valle Dwight.