In fact, our work had lead us to conclude, as we will discuss more fully at the end of this paper, that special education instructional practices not only enhance achievement for all students, but can also reduce referrals to special education. In terms of public policy, if one really wants to get special education costs under control, the best effort that can be made is to improve regular education. First, regular education content could be far more relevant than it is today. Second, practice within regular education could be improved by broadening instructional strategies to better address the diverse learning styles and preferences of students. Special education needs to preserved for those students who really need something different.
Introduction Begin with the end in mind.
Fit programs to students, not students to programs. Multidisciplinary instruction is extraordinarily difficult, but well worth the effort. Standards need to be relative, not universal. Meaningfully involved families are assets, not liabilities. Improving regular education reduces special education expenditures.