Exceptionality and Special Education Chapter 1 1

Topics Getting oriented to exceptionality and special education Educational definition of exceptional learners Prevalence of exceptional learners Definition of special education History & Origins of special education 2

Getting Oriented to Exceptionality and Special Education There is no single accepted theory of normal development, so relatively few definite statements can be made about exceptional learners. Reasons for optimism Importance of abilities Disability versus handicap Disability versus inability

Educational Definition of Exceptional Learners Exceptional learners are those who require special education if they are to reach their full human potential. Diversity of characteristics Need for special education Assessment must show that learner is unable to make satisfactory progress without special services. 3

Prevalence of Exceptional Learners Approximately 10 in every 100 students receive special education. Over 6 million students in the U.S. receive special education services. There have been changes in prevalence for certain disabilities. There are high-incidence and low-incidence categories. 4

Definition of Special Education Special education means specially designed instruction that meets the unusual needs of an exceptional student. Possible forms of special education: Special materials Specialized teaching techniques Specialized equipment and/or facilities Related services 6

History and Origins of Special Education 1800s: “normalization” and physicians Itard and Séguin Individualized instruction Sequence of educational tasks Stimulation of senses Arrangement of environment Reward for correct performance Functional skills Belief that every child should be educated to the greatest extent possible Howe and Gallaudet 10

Integration Into the Larger Society Philosophical and Historical Roots Normalization Positives and negatives How far should it be taken? Deinstitutionalization Community-based services Problems solved by deinstitutionalization Self-determination Universal design and UDL Use of new technologies 3

Development of the Profession Emergence of psychology and sociology Study of learning and development of mental tests Importance of families and communities 1922: Elizabeth Farrell and the Council for Exceptional Children Every student should have an appropriate education and receive necessary health and social services. 11

Parents and Professional Organizations 1950: Parent organizations Informal group for parents Information regarding services and resources Structure for obtaining needed services ARC National Association for Gifted Children Learning Disabilities Association, etc. 12

Legislation and Litigation PL 94-142 — Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975) IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1990) IDEA Amendments (1997, 2004) ADA — Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

Major Provisions of IDEA Identification Free, Appropriate, Public Education (FAPE) Due process Parent/guardian surrogate consultation Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Individualized Education Program (IEP) Nondiscriminatory evaluation Confidentiality Personnel development, inservice

Trends in Legislation More federal deregulation Too little federal funding No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) Expectations about standardized testing and achievement 13

Litigation Every child receives an education appropriate for his or her individual needs. Litigation filed for either of two reasons: Because special education services are not being provided for students whose parents want them. Because students are being assigned to special education when their parents believe they should not be. 14

Individualized Education for Students with Disabilities Individualized Education Program (IEP) All teachers must be trained to understand its purpose and function General educators should see IEPs as an opportunity to solicit program supports Teachers must work more closely with parents Teachers must balance students’ needs for achievement in the general curriculum with their need for specialized curricula Hearing officers and courts are permitted to determine procedural violations of the IEP Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) For infants and toddlers with disabilities

The Progress of Special Education Much progress has been made IDEA resulted in alteration of relationship between parents and schools Children and adults today receive better educational opportunities