10 Objectives of Special Education
Special education is a vital component of modern education systems that aims to provide individualized and tailored support to students with disabilities or special needs. The objectives of special education is to ensure that every student, regardless of their unique learning needs, has access to a quality education and the necessary resources and accommodations to reach their full potential.
Wikipedia also defined Special Education as the practice of educating students in a way that accommodates their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs
This specialized instruction and support can help students overcome academic, social, emotional, and physical challenges that may prevent them from succeeding in a traditional classroom setting. Special education programs strive to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities by providing accommodations, modifications, and individualized education plans (IEPs) that are designed to address each student’s specific challenges and abilities.
Through special education, we can create a more inclusive and equitable education system that values and supports the learning of all students, regardless of their individual differences. Here at Lofty Scholars we want to discuss the 10 objectives of special education.
10 Objectives of Special Education
1. Identifying and Assessing Students with Disabilities
One of the primary objectives of Special Education is to identify and assess students with disabilities. Identification involves recognizing the existence of a disability, while assessment involves evaluating the nature and extent of a student’s disability. This includes identifying strengths and weaknesses, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and determining the most appropriate educational services and accommodations.
2. Providing Remedial Instruction
Special Education should provide remedial instruction to students who have academic difficulties. Remedial instruction involves identifying the specific areas of difficulty, determining the underlying causes of those difficulties, developing specific strategies to address them, and monitoring the effectiveness of the strategies.
3. Developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
IEPs are legal documents developed by a student’s teachers, parents, and other specialists that outline the specific goals, objectives, and accommodations required for a student with a disability. The objectives of Special Education should include developing IEPs that are tailored to each student’s unique needs, abilities, and learning style.
4. Providing Access to Assistive Technology
Assistive technology, such as hearing aids, speech-to-text software, and braille devices, can help students with disabilities access educational materials and participate in classroom activities. The objectives of Special Education should include providing students with disabilities access to assistive technology devices and services.
5. Teaching Social Skills
Social skills are important for all students, but they are particularly important for students with disabilities. The objectives of Special Education should include teaching students with disabilities social skills that will help them interact more effectively with their peers and adults.
6. Incorporating Multisensory Instruction
Students with disabilities may learn more effectively using multisensory approaches that engage multiple senses. Multisensory instruction involves using techniques such as movement, touch, and visual aids to help students with disabilities learn more effectively. The objectives of Special Education should include incorporating multisensory instruction into teaching practices.
7. Providing Counseling and Psychological Services
Some students with disabilities may experience social, emotional, or behavioral problems that require counseling and psychological services. The objectives of Special Education should include providing students with access to these services in order to help them develop healthy coping skills and attitudes.
8. Encouraging Parent Involvements
Parents are often the most important advocates for students with disabilities. The objectives of Special Education should include encouraging parent involvement in the educational process and providing parents with the support and resources they need to be effective advocates for their children.
9. Providing Vocational Education and Transition Services
Students with disabilities may require vocational education and transition services that will help them prepare for employment, independent living, and community participation. The objectives of Special Education should include providing students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to transition successfully to adult life.
10. Promoting Inclusive Education
Inclusive education involves educating students with disabilities in the same classrooms as typically developing students whenever possible. The objectives of Special Education should include promoting inclusive education practices that provide all students, regardless of their abilities, with the opportunity to learn together and participate fully in the classroom and the wider community.