What is Special Education, Why it is Important

It is important to ask to know what is special education, at least from the perspective of knowing its primary essence and importance amongst us. Yes. The rationale that brings the need for special education to play is historically obvious.

Hence, the questions surrounding the theme of special education are resoundingly many but there is nothing to worry about since they are just harmlessly signs of curiosity about what the concept of special education is including the question of why it is important in a society such as this.

The practice of educating students in a way that accommodates their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs is what forms the concept of special education. It no doubt involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings.

A special education program should be customized to address each student’s needs. Special educators provide a continuum of services, in which students with various disabilities receive multiple degrees of support based on their individual needs. It is crucial for special education programs to be individualized so that they address the unique combination of needs in a given student

These interventions are designed to help individuals with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community, which may not be available if the student were only given access to a typical classroom education.

Special education aims to provide accommodated education for disabled students such as learning disabilities, learning difficulties which is also known as dyslexia, communication disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities.

Examples of physical disabilities are osteogenesis imperfecta, cerebral palsy, lissencephaly, Friedreich’s ataxia, and muscular dystrophy;  developmental disabilities are autism spectrum disorder, Pervasive developmental disorder, and intellectual disabilities, etc.

Why Is Special Education So Important?

With the many needs that the course cover amongst us, special education has successfully proven to be very important to the society because of the following reasons:

  • Intellectual Gifts

Intellectual giftedness is a difference in learning and can also benefit from specialized teaching techniques or different educational programs, but the term “special education” is generally used to specifically indicate instruction of disabled students. Whereas special education is designed specifically for students with learning disabilities, remedial education can be designed for any students, with or without special needs; the defining trait is simply that they have reached a point of unpreparedness, regardless of why.

  • Anxiety Reduction

Having access to strategies that children can use when they encounter unexpected questions or dramatic changes in test-taking routines can alleviate some of the anxiety that students feel during these processes. With special education tutoring, teens can confront important exams such as the SAT, with confidence and a sense of preparedness.

  • Sufficient Learning Environment

Children with special needs, e.g. autism, visual and hearing impairment, or speech and language impairments can participate in instruction and school life to a great extent on equal terms with other children. Schools have proven methods to involve them in lessons so that they feel accepted, while at the same time fulfilling the primary educational mission.

Read Also: What is the Idea of Special Education

In cases when this is not possible, because children require special learning conditions, teachers who specialize in the field of special education, and other experts are hired to work with the child (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy).

  • Reboosting Focus on Challenges

Attempting to process information and maintain pace with the rest of the class can be challenging. As teachers and peers move on to new ideas and skills, students with special needs often find themselves in a state of panic, particularly when new lessons are designed to build upon previously presented information.

When students have access to special education tutoring, they’ll have ample opportunity to revisit challenging subject matter, use new strategies for accurately conceptualizing and comprehending these topics and prepare for the advance into related and more complex materials. Ultimately, rather than falling behind in class, children can take part in special education tutoring at the end of the day or week and receive a chance to catch up and keep up.

  • Confidence in the Child

Children with learning disabilities who receive special education tutoring services tend to be far more comfortable in the learning environment than those who do not. This comfort can lead to fewer behavioral issues and fewer problems with anger, depression, frustration and anxiety. Children who receive special education tutoring on a year-round basis, rather than just before major testing seasons often experience the most progress.

  • Facilitate Comprehension and Mental Health

One of the major hurdles that teens must make is discovering how to become and remain accountable for their learning needs when entering the college environment. Special education tutoring services do more than prepare kids for pre-college examinations. These professionals also help young learners develop the strategies and skills that they need to  succeed in higher education.

Extensively, a quality and well-designed learning disability education positively impacts the child’s psychological development. Regardless of impairments, with the right approach, the child will not be excluded and alienated, but will have a fulfilling social life. A better understanding of their disability by other children will lead to their acceptance as equal members of the community.

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