What is the difference between special education and regular education?

The difference between special education and regular education can be explained in terms of the services and support provided. Special education refers to instruction and services tailored to meet the individual needs of a student with a disability, so they can access the same educational opportunities as their peers without disabilities. Regular education, on the other hand, typically refers to instruction and services offered to all students without any recognition of individual learning needs or styles. In California, special education is provided to individuals with disabilities who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA requires schools to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that meets the individual needs of qualifying students, such as those with autism, learning disabilities, vision impairments, and other disabling conditions. Special education services are tailored to the individual student’s unique educational needs, which could include speech and language therapy, counseling, or classroom modifications. Regular education services, on the other hand, are not tailored to the individual student’s needs. They are geared towards a broader student population, employing general teaching strategies for a group of students in the same classroom. Regular education is designed to cover the basic curriculum, such as Literacy and Math, as well as more advanced topics, such as Science and Social Studies. In California, both special education and regular education are essential parts of the educational system, providing opportunities for all students to learn and grow. Special education provides students with disabilities the support and resources they need to access the same educational opportunities as their peers, while regular education offers a broad-based curriculum to all students.

Related FAQs

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
How does the law address school funding?
What is education reform?
What are the differences between state and federal education laws?
How does the law affect students with disabilities in the school setting?
What is the role of the court in education law?
What is the difference between discrimination and harassment in the school setting?
What is the difference between special education and regular education?
What is religious liberty in the school setting?
What is the impact of federal education laws on state and local education?

Related Blog Posts

Understanding Education Law for Parents - July 31, 2023
An Overview of School District Liability Under Education Law - August 7, 2023
What Every Student Should Know About Educational Law - August 14, 2023
Protecting the Rights of Disabled Students in Education Law - August 21, 2023
Understanding the Role of the Family in Education Law - August 28, 2023