special education

American  

[spesh-uhl ej-oo-key-shuhn] / ˈspɛʃ əl ˌɛdʒ ʊˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. specialized or modified instruction for students with unique learning needs, especially students with identified disabilities. SPED

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Sensitive Note

See special.

Etymology

Origin of special education

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The post said the school district was placing money into savings accounts and contracting out work to traveling psychologists or non-district special education support staff.

From Los Angeles Times

He was adopted at birth “by a Kansas-born musician-producer and ... a special education teacher who immigrated to the US from Cuba as a child in the 1960s.”

From Los Angeles Times

Many benefit from behavioral interventions and special education services to help with learning and functional abilities.

From Salon

For the next few years Buzzard and Melodee lived near family in Santa Maria, where Buzzard worked as a special education aide at a local school, according to Denes.

From Los Angeles Times

Across some of the largest special education and parent groups on Facebook, debate has raged about what this recent move will mean for disabled children.

From Salon