Special Education Classroom: Creating A Safe And Inclusive Environment

You might see that students learn in many places. These include inclusion, resource rooms, self-contained settings, special day classes, co-teaching, and specialty schools. Each Special Education Classroom gives special help.

• About 7.5 million students, or 15% of public school students in the U.S., get special education services.

Key Takeaways

• Special education classrooms have different types. These include inclusion, resource rooms, self-contained settings, and special day classes. Each type gives special help to students.
• Inclusion classrooms let students learn with their classmates. Special education teachers give extra help. This helps students build social skills and care for others.
• Resource rooms give focused help outside the main classroom. Students can work on certain subjects there. They still spend most time with their classmates.
• Self-contained classrooms give personal teaching all day. These are best for students who need more help. The learning environment stays the same every day.
• Special day classes teach life skills and basic subjects. Students get more one-on-one time with teachers. This is for students with bigger needs.
• Co-teaching means two teachers work together in one classroom. This gives more help and better learning for everyone.
• Specialty schools and residential programs help students with severe disabilities. They give full support and care all day.
• Picking the right classroom type means thinking about your child’s needs. You should also look at their strengths and what help the school can give.

Types of Special Education Classroom

Picking the right Special Education Classroom matters a lot. Each type gives you different help and structure.

Some classrooms may work better for you than others. Here are three common types: Inclusion (Push-In), Resource Room (Pull-Out), and Self-Contained.

Inclusion (Push-In)

In an Inclusion (Push-In) classroom, you learn with other students in a regular class. Special education teachers or aides come in to help you. You get extra support while staying with your classmates.

There are two main kinds of inclusion:

Many students do well in inclusive classrooms. You can make friends and practice social skills. But students with low-incidence disabilities, like vision or hearing problems, may have some trouble. Schools try to include as many students as possible.

Different groups of students have different inclusion rates:

You might see that inclusion rates are not the same for everyone. This shows why it is important to give each student the right help.

Resource Room (Pull-Out)

A Resource Room (Pull-Out) classroom lets you get extra help outside your main class. You spend most of your time in the regular classroom. You leave for short times to work in the resource room.

• The resource room is a place and a way to teach.
• It is less strict than a self-contained classroom.
• You can work on reading, math, or other subjects with a special education teacher.
• The room helps with learning, sensory needs, and emotional skills.
• You learn to be more independent while getting help.

Most students go to the resource room three to five times each week. Each visit lasts about forty-five minutes. This works well for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD. The resource room puts students with similar needs together. You get teaching that matches your Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Self-Contained

A Self-Contained classroom gives you more help all day. You stay in one room with the same teacher for most or all subjects. You do not move from teacher to teacher.

The classroom has flexible seats and activity centers. These help you work with classmates and learn in ways that fit you. The teacher can change the room for different lessons or group work. You get more personal teaching and support.

Self-contained classrooms have fewer students per teacher. For example:

Fewer students mean you get more help from your teacher. This classroom is good if you need lots of support or have complex learning needs.

Special Day Class

A Special Day Class gives you more help than most other classrooms. This classroom is made for students who need special teaching.

Teachers here focus on life skills and basic school subjects. You get more one-on-one time because there are fewer students per teacher.

You might join a Special Day Class if you have a certain disability and need special help. These classes put students with similar needs together.

You get lessons made just for you and more help. Many students in these classes do better in school. You may see more of these classes in places like California.

Special Day Classes give you more personal teaching and help than regular or self-contained classes. This helps you reach your goals and learn important life skills.

Co-Teaching

In a Co-Teaching classroom, you learn from two teachers at once. One teacher teaches general subjects, and the other teaches special education. You get help with schoolwork and social skills in the same room.

Co-teaching uses different ways to help you learn:

1. One Teach, One Observe: One teacher teaches, and the other watches and takes notes.
2. One Teach, One Assist: One teacher teaches, and the other helps students who need it.
3. Parallel Teaching: The class splits into two groups, and both teachers teach the same lesson.
4. Station Teaching: You move between groups, and each teacher leads a group.
5. Alternative Teaching: One teacher works with a small group, and the other teaches the rest.
6. Team Teaching: Both teachers teach together and help all students.

Co-teaching helps you learn more, lets teachers work together, and keeps students interested.

You may feel more sure of yourself in math in these classes. Many students with disabilities get better test scores in math and reading. You also make more friends and learn better social skills.

• Students in co-taught classes feel more confident in math.
• More students with disabilities pass Algebra 1.
• Co-teaching helps students with disabilities get better grades in math and reading.
• You see more kindness and understanding from classmates.

Specialty School & Residential

Some students need even more help than regular classrooms can give. Specialty schools are for students with serious learning or physical needs.

You get lots of help because there are more adults for each student. These schools offer therapies like speech, art, swimming, and job skills. You learn things that help you get ready for adult life.

Residential programs give care all day and night. You may need this if your local school cannot meet your needs. These programs help with health, daily life, and social skills.

You get help in every part of life, not just school. Residential settings help you feel like you belong and get ready to live on your own.

In these programs, you work on social and job skills. This helps you feel ready for adult life. Specialty schools and residential programs make sure you get all the help you need to do well in the future.

Features of Special Education Classroom

Structure & Support

Every Special Education Classroom has its own way of helping students. These ways help you learn in a way that works for you. Some classrooms have push-in support.

This means a special education teacher or aide helps you in your regular class. In co-teaching, two teachers work together in the same room.

Resource rooms let you leave your main class for extra help. Self-contained classrooms and special day classes give more personal help in small groups.

How a classroom is set up changes how you learn. Fewer distractions help you pay attention. Getting more help from your teacher makes you feel more sure of yourself. It also helps you learn new things. Clear paths and neat spaces make it easier to move and work on your own.

Using visual schedules and work systems can help you know what will happen next and keep you interested in your work.

Student Needs

You have your own way of learning, and your classroom changes to help you. Special Education Classrooms help students with many kinds of disabilities.

Some are mild, and some are more serious. Teachers use different ways to help you do your best. They might change lessons to fit how you learn. They might use things like audiobooks or give you more time to finish work.

You might see pictures to help with autism. You might use audiobooks if you have dyslexia. Some students get breaks to help them join in. Teachers also talk with families to learn what helps you at home and at school.

How Classrooms Adapt

1. Teachers find out how you learn best.
2. They use different ways to teach you.
3. Technology can help you learn new things.
4. Teachers and helpers work as a team.
5. Families share ideas to help you.

Teacher Roles

Special education teachers do many things to help you. They make and update your Individualized Education Program (IEP).

They check how you are doing and change lessons if needed. Teachers talk with your family and other staff to make sure you get the right help.

• Make and update IEPs
• Check what you can do and what you need
• Work with other teachers and helpers
• Speak up for your needs
• Help you learn new skills

Special education teachers help you feel good about learning. They make sure you get the help you need every day in your classroom.

Pros and Cons

Inclusion (Push-In)

In an Inclusion (Push-In) classroom, you learn with students without disabilities. A special education teacher or aide helps you in your regular class. You use the same curriculum as your classmates. You can make friends and practice social skills every day.

Here is a table with the main good and bad points:

Learning with your classmates can help you feel like you belong. You join group work and learn how to work with others.

Some students with disabilities may still have trouble with grade-level work. Sometimes, the help you get is not enough.

Many students with disabilities do not reach grade-level goals in general-education classes, even with extra help. Studies do not always agree about the benefits of inclusion. Some research has problems, and more students in inclusion does not always mean better results.

Resource Room (Pull-Out)

You might go to a Resource Room (Pull-Out) classroom for part of your day. You leave your main class for a short time to get extra help.

You get focused lessons in reading, math, or other subjects. A special education teacher works with you and knows what you need.

Pros:

• You get help that matches your learning needs.
• You can practice skills in a quiet place.
• You still spend most of your day with your classmates.
• Your lessons match your Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Cons:

• You may miss some things in your main class.
• You might feel different when you leave for extra help.
• You could have less time with friends in your regular class.

If you need help in certain subjects, the resource room gives you support without taking you away from your classmates for too long.

Self-Contained

You may be in a Self-Contained classroom if you need more help. You stay with the same teacher and a small group for most or all subjects. This classroom gives you lessons made just for you and more attention from your teacher.

Here is a table with the good and bad points:

You get lessons that fit your needs and more time to practice life skills. Small classes help you feel safe and supported. You may feel more confident and avoid bullying.

You might not meet Common Core Standards in this class. You have fewer chances to be with students in general education. You could start to depend on extra help.

Pros:

• Lessons are made just for you
• Small class sizes
• Support for learning life skills

Cons:

• May not meet Common Core Standards
• Not much time with general education classmates

Self-contained classrooms let you learn at your own speed. You get the help you need, but you may miss out on some social time with other students.

Special Day Class

You may join a Special Day Class if you need more support than other classrooms offer. This classroom gives you a smaller group and more one-on-one time with your teacher. You work on life skills and basic subjects. Your teacher changes lessons to fit your needs.

Special Day Classes help you in many ways:

• You get ready for life in your community as an adult. You learn skills that help you live and work with others.
• You feel like you belong. Your teacher helps you join activities with your classmates.
• You see many ways to learn. You try new things and find what works best for you.
• Your teacher uses different ways to teach. You get lessons that match your learning style.
• You have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). You join general education activities when possible and get help for your needs.

Special Day Classes also show some positive changes in schools:

1. Fewer students need intensive special education services.
2. More students do well in school.
3. Teachers see fewer behavior problems.

You may notice that Special Day Classes give you a safe space to learn and grow. You get help from teachers who know how to support you. You also join some activities with other students, which helps you feel included.

Co-Teaching

Co-Teaching classrooms give you two teachers in one room. One teacher focuses on general subjects, and the other helps with special education. You get more attention and support.

Here is a table that shows the main pros and cons of co-teaching:

You benefit from having two teachers who work together. You get lessons that fit your needs. You join group work and learn with your classmates. Sometimes, teachers find it hard to plan or share work. Good teamwork helps you learn more.

If you see two teachers in your classroom, you can ask for help from either one. They work together to help you succeed.

Specialty School & Residential

Specialty schools and residential programs give you extra support if you have severe disabilities. You learn in small classes with teachers who know how to help you. You get care all day, not just during school hours.

You may see these benefits:

• You get special help for learning and social skills.
• Small classes help you focus and get more attention.
• Staff members know how to support your needs.
• You learn skills for adult life.

You may also face some challenges:

• You might feel sad or worried about being away from home.
• Your family needs to think carefully before choosing this type of school.
• You need to find the right program for your needs.

Specialty schools and residential programs help you grow and learn. You get care and support that fits your needs. Your teachers and staff help you prepare for life after school. Your family and teachers work together to choose the best place for you.

If you need more help than your local school can give, specialty schools and residential programs offer extra support and care. You get a safe place to learn and build skills for your future.

Choosing a Classroom

Factors to Consider

You want the best learning environment for your child. Start by looking at what your child needs every day. Think about how your child behaves in different settings.

Notice if your child has language needs or uses assistive technology. Pay attention to any visual or communication needs.

• Child’s behavior in group and individual settings
• Language needs, including speech or understanding
• Visual impairments that affect learning
• Communication needs, such as using devices or sign language
• Assistive technology requirements for reading, writing, or moving

You should also look at the type of program the school offers. Some schools have special programs for autism or developmental delays.

Check if the school welcomes all students and supports inclusion. The location of the school matters, especially if your child needs medical care often. Review the cost of tuition and extra fees, since some special needs schools are private.

1. Consider the type of program offered, such as autism or developmental delay support.
2. Evaluate the school’s inclusiveness and integration policies.

Visit classrooms when you can. Ask teachers how they support students with different needs.

Questions for the IEP Team

You play a key role in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. You can ask questions to help choose the right classroom.

Here are some questions you might ask:

• What supports will my child get in this classroom?
• How does the classroom help with my child’s language or communication needs?
• Will my child use assistive technology? How will teachers help with this?
• How often will my child join general education activities?
• What training do teachers have for working with students like mine?
• How does the classroom handle behavior and social skills?
• Can my child get therapy or extra help during the school day?
• How will the team measure my child’s progress?

Asking clear questions helps you understand what each classroom offers. You can work with the IEP team to set goals and find the best fit.

Family and Student Input

Your voice matters in the classroom decision. You know your child’s strengths and needs better than anyone. Share what works at home and what does not. Encourage your child to speak up about what helps them learn.

You help create a learning plan that fits your child. When you join meetings and share ideas, you make sure your child gets the support they need.

Choosing a classroom is a team effort. You, your child, and the school work together to find the best place to learn and grow.

You can pick from many classroom choices for students with disabilities. Each classroom gives different help and ways to learn.

Think about what fits your child’s needs and strengths. Working with teachers helps your child do better in school.

• Trust and respect make it easier for families and teachers to work together.
• Talking openly helps everyone feel welcome at school.

You help your child do well by staying involved and speaking up for them. Every student should have a classroom where they feel safe, get help, and are ready to learn.

FAQ

What is the difference between a resource room and a self-contained classroom?

You go to a resource room for short periods to get extra help. You stay in a self-contained classroom all day with a small group and one teacher. You get more support in a self-contained classroom.

How do I know which classroom type is best for my child?

You look at your child’s needs, strengths, and learning style. You talk with teachers and the IEP team. You visit classrooms and ask questions. You choose the classroom that helps your child learn and feel included.

Can my child move between classroom types during the school year?

You can request changes if your child’s needs change. The IEP team reviews progress and decides if another classroom fits better. You work together to support your child’s growth.

Do students in special education classrooms join general education activities?

You may join general education classes for some subjects or activities. Teachers help you participate when possible. You get support to learn with your peers.

What support do teachers provide in special education classrooms?

You get help with lessons, social skills, and daily routines. Teachers use different strategies and tools. You receive support based on your Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Will my child still get therapy or extra help in these classrooms?

You can get speech, occupational, or physical therapy during the school day. The IEP team decides what services you need. You receive therapy in your classroom or a special area.

You can ask your school about therapy options and how they fit into your child’s schedule.