WORKTEXT ON SPECIAL AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
I. UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL AND INCLUSIVE
EDUCATION
A. Definition of Special Education
Special Education (SPED) refers to specially designed instruction, support, and services
provided to students with exceptional needs so they can access the general curriculum and
make meaningful progress in school. These students may have disabilities or giftedness that
require modifications in teaching methods, materials, or educational environments.
Special Education ensures that learners with disabilities are given the same opportunities as
their peers through the use of individualized education programs (IEPs), assistive technology,
therapeutic support, and specialized teaching strategies.
Key Features:
Tailored instruction based on individual needs
Legal protection and rights under education laws (e.g., IDEA in the US; SPED provisions
under Philippine law)
Collaboration among educators, specialists, and families
Inclusion when appropriate, or separate educational settings when necessary
B. Definition of Inclusive Education
Inclusive Education is a philosophy and practice that ensures all students, regardless of their
abilities or disabilities, learn together in the same age-appropriate classroom and participate
fully in school life.
Inclusive education promotes equity, participation, and acceptance by accommodating diverse
learning styles and needs within the general education system. It emphasizes removing barriers
to learning and involving all learners in the educational process.
Principles:
Equal access and opportunity for all learners
Respect for diversity
Learning support strategies within mainstream classrooms
Collaboration among general and special educators
C. Models of Disability
There are several models used to understand disability. These models influence how society
views and supports individuals with disabilities.
1. Medical Model
o Views disability as a defect or illness that needs to be fixed or cured
o Focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation
o Often places the problem within the individual
2. Social Model
o Views disability as a result of social barriers and exclusion
o Emphasizes changing society to accommodate all individuals
o Focuses on accessibility, discrimination, and inclusion
3. Biopsychosocial Model
o Combines medical and social models
o Recognizes the interaction between health conditions and contextual factors
o Supports personalized and holistic approaches to disability
4. Charity Model
o Views persons with disabilities as passive recipients of care or charity
o Can reinforce dependency and pity
5. Rights-Based Model
o Focuses on human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities
o Emphasizes empowerment, equality, and inclusion
D. Process of Special Education
The special education process involves several stages aimed at identifying, assessing, planning,
implementing, and monitoring educational programs for students with special needs.
1. Referral
o A student showing signs of learning difficulties or developmental delay is
referred by a teacher, parent, or professional for assessment.
2. Assessment/Evaluation
o Comprehensive testing conducted by a multidisciplinary team to determine the
student’s needs and eligibility for SPED services.
3. Eligibility Determination
o Based on the assessment results, the team decides if the student qualifies for
special education services.
4. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
o A written plan developed with the input of teachers, specialists, and parents
outlining the student’s goals, services, and accommodations.
5. Placement
o The student is placed in the most appropriate learning environment (least
restrictive environment - LRE) where they can succeed.
6. Implementation
o The IEP is carried out, and services are delivered as specified.
7. Monitoring and Review
o Regular progress reviews and IEP updates are conducted to ensure that goals are
being met and services remain appropriate.
