What's 'Special' about Special Education?

Douglas Fuchs & Lynn S. Fuchs
Reprinted with permission of Phi Delta Kappan [March 1995, vol 76, no. 7]
 

Special education, similar to general education, must undergo reforms. However, it has its own unique features and the needs of students with learning disabilities cannot be met if the instructional techniques of general education are applied to special education. In many places special education (like general education) requires change. Let's get on with it, the authors say, but let's also not forget what's special about special education - because, if we do, many students will pay the price.