Special Education

Students with reading or reading-related disabilities may be eligible to receive supplemental instruction from special education teachers. Navigating the unfamiliar waters of special education can be overwhelming for parents, teachers and students. This section contains helpful information about the basics of special education.

Featured partner: National Association of State Directors of Special Education

Featured Video: Special Education

See all Special Education video

Our PBS Series:
Launching Young Readers

Reading Rocks!

Meet real-life children who struggle with reading but don't give up! A lively show geared for kids.

Empowering Parents

Learn the warning signs for a child who may have difficulties with reading and why early intervention is so important.

The Basics

IDEA 2004

10 Steps in the Special Education Process

A Closer Look at the IEP

Inclusion

The IEP Team Members

Universal Design for Learning: Meeting the Needs of All Students

Speech Recognition for Learning

For Parents

Recognizing Reading Problems

Help Your Child with a Learning Disability Be More Independent with Assistive Technology

Understanding the Special Education Process

Common Signs of Dyslexia

Knowing Your Child's Rights

Mother and son looking at homework together at home

Rights and Responsibilities of Parents of Children with Disabilities

How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children

The Facts on Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities

Writing IEP Goals

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs

For Teachers

Dyslexia in the Schools: Assessment and Identification

Teacher with small group of elementary kids in classroom

Inclusive Classrooms: Getting Started

Small group of elementary students discussing read aloud book with teacher

Literacy in the Inclusive Classroom

Video: A Teacher's View of Assistive Technology

High-Leverage and Evidence-Based Practices: A Promising Pair for All Learners

teacher reading to early elementary class

11 Methods for Teaching Reading That Help Struggling Readers

20 Ways to Adapt the Read Aloud in the Inclusive Classroom

Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms

Inclusive Literacy Learning

No Child Left Behind: Determining Appropriate Assessment Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

teacher guiding elementary student wearing headphones

Back-to-School Tips for Special Education Teachers

Professional Development Webcasts

Listen, watch, and learn from top experts in these engaging roundtable discussions. Each webcast features a 60–minute video as well as recommended readings and suggested discussion questions.

The Role of RTI in LD Identification

Implementing Response to Intervention in Early Childhood Settings

Talking Tutoring

English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities