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

---

Sensitive Note

See special.

Etymology

Origin of special education

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Teacher morale is increasingly important as states continue to struggle with teacher shortages, especially in hard-to-fill jobs like special education, science, technology, math, engineering and bilingual education.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Mosley suggested that instead of working to make a Kirk holiday, Kansas lawmakers could fully fund special education programs in the state, or address rural hospital closures or raise the minimum wage.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026

He spent 1980-81 helping coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills and taking classes to become a special education teacher.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

Good news also awaited Kei and Viance Villanueva, a couple who teach special education.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

A former navy officer was working on his B.S. degree in special education when he saw Luke’s listing on Florida’s adoption website.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter