7 Myths About Special Education

By Rena Rockwell, EdD

Many common misconceptions about Special Education can bring about a lack of services required by learners with disabilities to be successful in the classroom. Public school systems in the U.S are required by law to provide Special Education for students with special learning needs. Special Education Teachers play a critical role in ensuring that students with any disabilities, be they cognitive or physical, have an individualized education plan to be successful in their education.

In this blog post, I will demystify seven common myths about special education, providing insights and furnishing perspective into a more supportive teaching and learning environment for all students.

Myth 1: Special education is only for students with severe disabilities.

Special education serves a wide range of students with varying needs, from mild learning differences to more significant disabilities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the 2021-2022 school year, approximately 15% of all public-school students (ages 3-21) received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This translates to about 7.2 million students out of the total public-school enrollment of approximately 48 million students. The remaining 85% of students are in general education.

Myth 2: Students in special education cannot succeed academically.

Many students in special education can and do excel academically when given proper support.

Successful individuals who received special education services:

• Tom Cruise — Actor diagnosed with dyslexia
• Whoopi Goldberg — Actress, comedian struggled with dyslexia, and
• Michael Phelps — Olympic swimmer diagnosed with ADHD.

The stories behind their successes are often highlight:

• The importance of early identification and support.
• The development of unique coping strategies and strengths.
• The value of perseverance and self-advocacy.
• The potential for success in diverse career paths.

It's worth noting that many of these famous individuals received their diagnoses or support at different stages of life, some quite late.This underscores the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability. We must avoid generalizing their experiences to all individuals with learning differences. Moreover, we must recognize that success can take many forms, not just celebrity or wealth. Consequently, we must acknowledge the role of support systems, resources and individual circumstances in their success.

Myth 3: Special education means segregation from other students.

Special education believes in inclusivity, using various models of inclusion and mainstreaming to achieve learning outcomes. Each model has its strengths and is chosen based on individual student needs, school resources and educational goals. The key is flexibility and ongoing assessment to ensure the chosen model effectively supports the student's learning and development.

Special education also values the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). It is a key principle in special education, mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires that students with disabilities be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

Myth 4: Special education is too expensive and drains resources from general education.

Special education benefits extend beyond students with disabilities, positively impacting the entire school community. Inclusive practices, where students with diverse needs learn alongside their peers, foster empathy, understanding and collaboration among all students. Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework originally developed for special education, provides multiple means of engagement, representation and expression that can enhance learning for all students, regardless of their abilities.

This approach encourages teachers to create flexible learning environments and use varied instructional strategies, which can lead to improved engagement and academic outcomes for the entire student body. Additionally, the presence of special education resources often results in smaller class sizes, increased individualized attention, and the development of innovative teaching methods that can be applied across the school. By promoting diversity and adapting to various learning styles, special education practices contribute to a more supportive, inclusive and effective educational environment for everyone.

Myth 5: Students in special education do not need to be challenged academically.

All types of learners must be challenged academically. The notion that students with disabilities require less challenging content is a harmful misconception that can significantly limit their potential. Instead, modern special education emphasizes the importance of presuming competence and setting ambitious yet achievable goals for all learners.

Setting low standards or making things too easy for students with disabilities can cause problems. It can make students less motivated, teach them to give up easily, and stop them from growing their thinking skills. This can make the gap between students with and without disabilities even bigger, which might limit their choices for school and jobs later. Studies show that students, whether they have disabilities or not, usually rise to meet the expectations set for them. So, it's important to keep standards high in special education, while also giving students the right kind of help and adjusting teaching methods to fit their needs.

Myth 6: Special education teachers are less qualified than general education teachers.

Special education teacher training and certification requirements go beyond that of general educators, reflecting the field's complex and challenging nature. They work closely with general educators to differentiate and adapt the curriculum to meet learner’s specific needs, so understanding the various disciplines and having certification in multiple areas is necessary. They are professionals, who continuously learn and adapt throughout their careers, staying abreast of the latest research and methodologies.

With more experience, special education teachers can become experts in specific areas, like helping students with autism or dyslexia, or they might become school or curriculum leaders.

Myth 7: Special education is just about academic support.

Special education today goes far beyond academic support, recognizing the critical importance of emotional regulation in students' overall development and success. Modern programs adopt a holistic approach, understanding that cognitive, emotional and social skills are deeply interconnected. Emotional regulation — the ability to understand, manage and express one's emotions appropriately — is now a key focus in many special education curricula.

Special education now understands that thinking, feeling, and getting along with others are all closely connected. A big part is helping students control their emotions — understanding, handling, and showing their feelings well. Learning about feelings and how to get along with others is part of the everyday routine. This allows students to become stronger emotionally, understand others better and make friends more easily.

Addressing these misconceptions can help parents, students, educators, and community members develop a more accurate and nuanced understanding of special education.

Clarifying these myths about special education is crucial for creating a more effective and inclusive educational environment. It improves access to services, reduces stigma and leads to better resource allocation.

This understanding promotes inclusivity, sets higher expectations for students and recognizes the expertise of special education teachers. It also encourages a holistic approach to student development, facilitates informed decision-making and garners increased community support. Ultimately, addressing these misconceptions benefits all students by fostering a more supportive and adaptive educational system.