Special Education in the 21st Century.

Overview & Synopsis

Education in general and special education in particular are undergoing rapid and dramatic changes, and a number of current trends offer implications for future policy and practice. It is becoming clear that principles of special education are shaping the future of all education. As schools become more inclusive, attention is focused on accommodating student diversity, emphasizing the role of the learner in creating knowledge, and supporting individualized instruction and assessment. Early education is increasing, with the major goal of preventing learning problems. As regular and special education merge, individualized programs and cooperative practices are becoming available to all students. As school structures change, so too will preservice and inservice programs that prepare educational personnel. Emerging trends in professional education include integrated interdisciplinary models for joint preparation of regular and special educators, social workers, therapists, and other personnel; innovative delivery systems such as field-based models, distance education, and alternative certification; and evolving national standards to promote consistency in training and licensing across states. Technological advances have particular significance for special needs students, especially in the areas of assistive devices, multimedia instruction, and distance education. Changes in practice will lead to changes in educational policy on a broad scale. The inclusion movement will lead to a unified educational system that provides special services to every child based on identified needs. Early intervention and high school transitional services will become commonplace. Contains 24 references. (SV)