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.

This union represents special education aides who are, she said, undervalued, underpaid and overworked.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

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

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

Students can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms and can be found in both general education and special education classes.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin