Although there are some additional special concerns, the hot topics for special education are much like topics in any educational setting.
The teachers, administrators, and parents want the students to work up to their potential and succeed, no matter what their special needs are.
Qualified Teachers
Always a subject of great concern is the quality of teachers. It takes a really special person to be a teacher, but adding students with developmental, physical or emotional disabilities to that challenge can make for a really big task. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) have both established stringent requirements for special education teachers. These tough guidelines are meant to prepare teachers and develop their skills, so they can create the best possible learning environment for their students.
Inclusive Technology
Attracting good teachers is important, but also giving those teachers the tools they need is one of the latest hot topics in special education. Helping them in the way of providing inclusive technology is a big concern. Inclusive technologies are technologies specifically designed to advance independent achievement for students with disabilities.
Ian Bean presenting at Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference for 2010
Effective and Early Intervention
Other hot topics for special education include effective and early intervention and proper assessment. Once it is determined that intervention is needed, the necessary assessments should take place. The biggest concern about this is the ability to recognize that a student has needs that are not being met, and then determine the best way to meet those needs.
Bullying
Bullying is of particular concern when it comes to special education. Students with physical, emotional, or academic challenges often find themselves used as targets for bullies. As with any students, these students rely on their teachers and school administrators for protection. Unfortunately, some students are less equipped to handle the uncomfortable situations they find themselves in. This is a serious and continuing hot topic in special education.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes – pdf
Career and College Options
Hopefully, the effort toward early intervention and proper assessment will lead a student to consider career development options, as well as college. Many colleges provide assistance to students who may require inclusive technologies. The counselors and administrators are usually very willing to help make any accommodations necessary to help a student be successful. There are even certain counselors who specialize in helping to find funding for college.
Clearly many of the hot topics in special education require a little extra attention. The students all want to do well and have some measure of achievement. It is a matter of having the right tools and the right people to act as guides through all the details on the road to success.
