special education
Americannoun
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.
“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
It was when Vicky was 18 and leaving special education that the family faced another round of challenges.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
She persevered and graduated from a high school special education program, then attempted community college.
From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026
In San Diego, the teachers’ union voted before winter break to authorize a one-day unfair labor practice strike on Feb. 26 if the San Diego Unified School District does not improve special education staffing.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026
“So we need to get her in that program to start. While she’s there, they’ll evaluate her to see if she’s eligible for special education services.”
From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.