Special Education's Deterioration and Needs: A Personal Perspective

Abstract

In this chapter, the author reflects on nearly 40 years of professional experience in the field of special education. She offers personal perspectives and comments based on a variety of professional and personal experiences, including (1) teaching public school and college; (2) delivering professional development to school staff; and (3) coaching young adults who are creating independent adult lives after receiving special education during their school years. Her comments are also based on her personal experience as the parent of two young adults who needed special education services during their school years. Thus, the author writes with a unique perspective on special education. Among the current practices on which she comments are (1) variations on the process of response to intervention; (2) the role of the IEP; (3) the importance of curriculum and instruction; (4) the changing demographics of disability; (5) misunderstanding of the concept of least restrictive environment; and (6) the overwhelming volume of paperwork involved in the special education process. Special education practices between 1982 and 2010 are then contrasted with present-day implementation. Finally, the author proposes needed changes in special education and considers ways in which it might be improved in the future. This chapter provides a retrospective on special education through the years, offering both realistic criticisms and reasons for optimism.

Citation

Hallenbeck, B.A. (2022), "Special Education's Deterioration and Needs: A Personal Perspective", Kauffman, J.M. (Ed.) Revitalizing Special Education, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 189-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80117-494-720221010