Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for special education. Search instead for special occasions.
Synonyms

special education

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

noun

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


Sensitive Note

See special.

Etymology

Origin of special education

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The union is also demanding smaller class sizes and more staff for special education.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

“These kids could have been in the street or dead or not had the special education or help they needed.”

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 8, 2026

This union represents special education aides who are, she said, undervalued, underpaid and overworked.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2026

There was already a special education class in the school, but Charlie became the first kid with Down syndrome to attend Montgomery Middle.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com