Definitions

special education

[spesh-uhl ej-oo-key-shuhn] / ˈspɛʃ əl ˌɛdʒ ʊˈkeɪ ʃən /

NOUN

education for those with special needs

Synonyms

WEAK

compensatory education learning disability education remedial education special ed special needs education

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Teacher morale is increasingly important as states continue to struggle with teacher shortages, especially in hard-to-fill jobs like special education, science, technology, math, engineering and bilingual education.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

His members include special education and teacher aides, cafeteria works, custodians, gardeners and bus drivers.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

San Diego on Friday averted a one-day teachers strike planned later this month over union demands for more special education staffing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Across some of the largest special education and parent groups on Facebook, debate has raged about what this recent move will mean for disabled children.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2025

A former navy officer was working on his B.S. degree in special education when he saw Luke’s listing on Florida’s adoption website.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter