1. Exceptionality and Special Education
Chapter 1 1

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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