Special Education is a teaching modality that aims to assist students with special educational needs, resulting from conditions of disabilities (physical, intellectual, sensory), global developmental disorders (such as autism) and high abilities/giftedness .
This type of education is essential to guarantee the right to education for all individuals, respecting their particularities and promoting social inclusion. Special Education is guided by principles of respect for difference, appreciation of diversity and promotion of equal opportunities, seeking the full participation of students in the educational process and in community life.
Concept and Objectives of Special Education
Special Education is defined by the National Policy on Special Education in the Perspective of Inclusive Education (2008) as a teaching modality that permeates all levels, stages and modalities, performs specialized educational assistance, provides resources and services and guides as to its use in the teaching and learning process in common classes of regular education.
The objectives of Special Education are to promote the overall development of the student, favor learning and socialization, encourage autonomy and independence, and prepare the student for adult life and work.
Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE)
Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE) is a fundamental strategy of Special Education. It is carried out in multifunctional resource rooms at the school itself or in Specialized Educational Assistance centers (public or private), in the opposite shift to schooling, and aims to identify, develop and organize pedagogical and accessibility resources that eliminate barriers to the full participation of students, considering their specific needs.
The role of the teacher in Special Education
The Special Education teacher has a fundamental role in guaranteeing the right to education of all students. He must be able to identify students' special educational needs, plan and implement teaching strategies that meet those needs, and evaluate students' progress.
To be a successful teacher in Special Education, it is necessary to have specific training in the area, which includes knowledge about different disabilities and their implications for learning, about adapted teaching strategies and about the use of accessibility resources. In addition, the teacher must have teamwork skills, as Special Education requires collaborative action between the different professionals at the school (teachers, coordinators, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, among others).
Challenges and prospects for Special Education
Special Education faces several challenges, such as the lack of specific training for many teachers, the lack of accessibility resources and services in schools, and prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities. However, there are also many positive perspectives, such as the advancement of inclusion policies, the growing appreciation of diversity in society and at school, and the development of new technologies that favor student learning and participation.
In short, Special Education is an essential teaching modality to guarantee the right to education for all students, respecting their differences and promoting inclusion. To be a successful teacher in this area, it is necessary to have specific training, skills for teamwork and commitment to the principles of respect for differences, valuing diversity and promoting equal opportunities.
