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.

“These kids could have been in the street or dead or not had the special education or help they needed.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

It was when Vicky was 18 and leaving special education that the family faced another round of challenges.

From BBC • May 14, 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

Mosley suggested that instead of working to make a Kirk holiday, Kansas lawmakers could fully fund special education programs in the state, or address rural hospital closures or raise the minimum wage.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026

He told us that if we could find her the right kind of school, a school with a strong special education program, it would help immensely.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez