Exceptionality: Special Education Insights

Learning disabilities are described as neurodevelopmental conditions that affect how people process and acquire information. They can influence several areas such as reading, writing, math, and language skills. These problems are not related to intelligence and people who have learning disabilities often have average or above average intelligence in other areas.

The reasons or the causes of learning disability are very complex and can vary. A combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors influences them. Some of the most heard types of learning disabilities include Dyslexia (difficulty with reading and language processing), Dyscalculia (difficulty with math) and Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing).

In special education, classrooms are built in such a way to take care of an inclusive environment where they ensure that the students with learning disabilities are included and equally taken care of, within the general education settings.

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Inclusive classrooms aim to promote and support, diversity and acceptance while giving equal opportunities for all students. They give a supportive environment wherein children with special needs can learn alongside their peers. To teach and cater to the needs of children with special needs, special educators use several techniques, teaching methods and strategies such as:

• A personalized plan is developed for every student with their specific learning goals and techniques to support their unique and special needs.
• Teachers try to be flexible and adaptive with their teaching methods and materials to include appropriate learning styles and abilities as per the student’s requirements.
• Here they try to take help from tools and devices that enhance learning like text-to-speech software, speech recognition software or graphic organizers.
• Pushing and encouraging children with special needs after identifying their efforts and achievements with learning disabilities, help strengthen their confidence.

Describing Exceptionality from learning disability to giftedness

Exceptionality can be described as the new characters and abilities that people possess which is certainly different from the norm. It considers a wide range of traits, both challenges and strengths. Now you will learn about the 2 ends of the exceptionality spectrum – Learning disabilities and giftedness:

Learning disabilities as you read, affect the person’s ability to acquire and process information. For example, If a student has dyslexia, he might be facing issues reading and processing the language while another student with dyscalculia might face difficulty with math concepts. Such children need specialized support to overcome their difficulties and reach their full potential.

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On the other hand, comes giftedness, where gifted people are born with exceptional abilities and talents in specific areas like intellectual, creative, artistic or leadership skills. For example- A student who is excelling in mathematics and can solve complex problems at an advanced level such as Olympiads or national competitions, will be considered gifted in that area.

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It’s important to know that both learning disabilities and giftedness are exceptionalities. Children with Learning disabilities do need extra support to address difficulties or possible challenges, giftedness often brings more opportunities to nurture and further develop exceptional talents.

Via special education, teachers and professionals, work to recognize and help children with both learning disabilities and giftedness. They give specifically designed interventions and teaching methods to meet the unique needs of these students. Their goal is to make sure that every student gets the support and opportunities required to explore and succeed.

Benefits of integrating Special Education in every school and the role of Special Educators

Introducing special education in regular schools has several benefits for students, educators and the entire school community. Let’s learn a detailed explanation on these benefits and the role of special educators.

1. By integrating special education, schools are creating an inclusive learning environment wherein students with different abilities, learn and grow together. This fosters a sense of empathy, acceptance and understanding among all students.
2. Special educators play a significant role in providing individualized instructions to children with special needs. They try to examine each student’s challenges as well as strengths and learning styles to develop personalized strategies and accommodations. This sort of approach helps students achieve their full potential.
3. With the help and constant support of special educators, students with special needs can make significant academic growth. Special educators use evidence-based interventions and instructional techniques that will help them meet specific learning hurdles, helping students progress academically.
4. Special educators have been trying to focus on the social and emotional development of students. They focus on creating a safe and healthy environment where children can build self-confidence, develop social skills and form positive relationships with classmates, friends and teachers.
5. Special educators often collaborate with general education teachers other administrators and the families of students with special needs. They participate in Individualized education program (IEP) meetings, share ideas and techniques and work together to fulfil the different needs of each student respectively.
6. Special educators help as legal aids for students with special needs making sure that their rights and needs are being acknowledged. They work closely with families giving constant guidance, resources and support to get through the educational system and access appropriate services.
7. Integrating special education encourages an inclusive culture in schools that values diversity and appreciates the strengths of all students. This reduces the taboo or stigma and promotes a sense of belonging for children with special needs.

Integrating special education in every school is a healthy and welcoming practice that creates an inclusive environment to provide individualized support and strengthens social-emotional development, and helps in maintaining collaboration and advocacy. Special educators play an important role in giving specialized instructions, advocating for students and encouraging an inclusive school culture.