Special Education Issues & Trends

The Common Core State Standards, a set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA), was established by state educational authorities. The authorities collectively outlined learning objectives regarding what a student should know and be able to execute at the end of each grade. The standards were created to level the playing field in education and ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career and life.

The impact of Common Core standards on special education has been an issue in the academic world for several years. This is due to an emphasis on generating individualized education programs (IEPs) to incorporate Common Core standards and assessments. There is also a stronger focus on measuring and monitoring IEPs under Common Core standards.

Many professionals in special education argue that assigning students with disabilities the equivalent academic standards as students without disabilities is unrealistic based on their abilities. Moreover, some parents of disabled students prefer their children to focus on life skills over academic skills, because they feel life skills will be more valuable in the long run. Other concerns of professionals and parents of disabled students include the ability to accurately measure the performance of disabled students. It is common for special education students to learn at a slower pace when compared to their peers. Thus, if all students were measured on material comprehension, disabled children would be at a disadvantage because there is a possibility that they were not taught the material.

Students with a variety of disabilities use assistive technology in learning and life. Examples of assistive technology include computers that respond to a student’s eye movement and voice, tablets, e-readers and other gadgets. Utilizing these forms of technology can enhance create more learning opportunities. It can also generate an equalizer in a classroom with students of various disabilities. As advancements in assistive technology occur, special education will continue to transform the growth and development of students. Assistive technology can also help special education professionals personalize lesson plans based on students' needs and skills. As assistive technology continues to advance, there will be a greater need to train special education professionals in order to facilitate personalized learning into classroom instruction.