Top FAQ 4: How has the IDEA mandate for access to the general curriculum changed the role of the special educator?
Traditionally, the role of the special educator has been distinct from the role of the regular education teacher, focusing on remedial instruction of skills rather than on curricular content, often in a separate physical setting. Both IDEA and Universal Design for Learning support a new role for special educators. IDEA specifies that “joint participation and leadership of general and special educators in curriculum standards development, professional development, resource allocation, and instruction are critical in helping students with disabilities access the general education curriculum” Because IDEA mandates access to the general curriculum and the attainment of goals connected to curriculum standards for students with disabilities, special educators will work collaboratively with regular educators to customize the general curriculum to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Not coincidentally, special educators may also collaborate with regular educators to customize goals,
Related Questions
- Have federal legal provisions with respect to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) mandate in IDEA changed in recent years? Have they changed significantly in any other ways?
- Top FAQ 4: How has the IDEA mandate for access to the general curriculum changed the role of the special educator?
- Where do the curriculum development funds for faculty from the special first year allocation go on the budget?
