A more thorough explanation:

Special education is a program designed to help children with disabilities learn and succeed. It is individualized to meet the unique needs of each child, who may have physical, mental, behavioral, emotional, or learning difficulties.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to provide special education to children with disabilities. Private schools must also make reasonable accommodations for a child’s disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Special education can take many forms. Some students receive support in general education classrooms, while others take some classes outside of the general classroom. Some students may need to take all or most of their classes in special education programs, either within a public school or in a specialized school.

• A student with dyslexia may receive extra help with reading and writing in a general education classroom.
• A student with autism may take some classes in a separate classroom with specialized teachers and materials, but still spend time in a general education classroom.
• A student with severe physical disabilities may attend a specialized school with accessibility features and specialized equipment.

These examples illustrate how special education can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. It can take place in a variety of settings and can include a range of services and accommodations.