I taught there three more years and cried again the day I left. . . The field of special education has changed drastically in the 26 years since I started teaching. With the implementation of PL 94-142, children with special needs and their parents have rights. Some children with special needs are taught in smaller classes, grouped with children with similar disabilities, and have teacher aides. Some are still taught in special school settings with intensive therapy and supportive services.
Some children have their own aide and spend the full day in a regular classroom setting.
Others are fully included in a regular program with minimal support. Today's special students are identified shortly after birth and have transition teams that assist them as they move from one program to another. Medical experts provide supportive services like occupational and physical therapy. Language specialists team with teachers to make certain that language development is part of daily instruction. Educational planning teams meet regularly to plan and implement interventions.