What is Special Education?
The intent of special education is to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the general curriculum in the least restrictive environment with their non-disabled peers.
Special education is a service for students ages 6-21 who have been identified as having a disability and the disability adversely affects the child’s educational performance in at least one basic skill area. In addition, it must be determined that student demonstrates a need for specialized instruction that is not available through the school’s comprehensive list of services available to all students.
Special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This is often referred to as a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Special education services can be provided in a variety of settings, such as in the classroom, out of the classroom, or in an alternative setting.
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This mural was painted by students at the Regional Resource Center, and funded thanks to the generosity of the Dorothy Byrne Foundation. |
The current federal law that governs all Special Education Services is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires equitable education to students with disabilities. The Rules and Regulations for Special Education in Vermont is contained in the State of Vermont Special Education Rules.
There are thirteen categories of disabilities under IDEA. They include:
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Find out more about eligibility for special education services, available services, and transition services by contacting one of the special educators in your local school district.