Aug. 5, 2021

Challenges of Special Education: Perspectives From Students and Teachers

My time in public-school special education gave me firsthand experience with both supportive teachers and barriers that can make learning harder. In this article, I share my personal perspective on challenges in special education, including the experiences of students, families, teachers, and support staff. Every student is different, and effective support should be individualized rather than based on assumptions.

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What Are The Challenges Of Special Education?

Special education is important to have in all school districts. However, these classes can be very challenging at times. I talked with a teacher friend of mine who helps out in special education classes for a living.

For private reasons, I am not going to mention my friend by name. So I am going to refer to him in this article as my (teacher friend). Here are some of the challenges that special education classes face every day:

Students with extra challenges do not learn at the same level as other students
They can be dangerous to other students in the class which is considered bad behavior
Some students can't sit still for long periods of time and focus in class
Some teachers are not willing to support students
The classroom can become very noisy because of Autism meltdowns
Special education services can be scarce depending on the school district budget
Certain accommodations may not be able to be met
There might not be enough special education teachers around the area for hire
Routines and schedules keep changing
Teachers and staff keep changing
The environments and location keep changing

What Are The Problems Of Special Education

What Are The Problems Of Special Education?

Now that we discussed the challenges in special education it's time that we dig into the problems with special education programs. When I was in special education back in public school a few problems came to mind.

The first problem that comes to mind is the classroom locations. In my opinion, I feel like our classrooms are not even given a second thought. For example, I had an English class in this hall that smelled like sewage. No wonder why there was a drain on the floor.

We were the only classroom in that hallway. Another example is my teacher friend that I came back to visit in middle school a few years ago, she showed me her new classroom and I found out it used to be the custodian's closet.

I can only possibly imagine what the parents say on parent-teacher conference nights. I can just picture it now a parent walks into the classroom looks around and then mumbles "this room feels like a broom closet." Then the teacher hears and says to the parent "you are right it used to be a broom closet." If you are a parent and you heard that how would you react?

A second problem that special education classes face is that special education assistants tend to change unexpectedly. For example, if my one-on-one helper who followed me from class to class to help me take notes is sick, the school then brings in a substitute.

Even though it seems like the school district is being helpful, they are actually doing a disservice to support students with extra challenges. Hear me out, that substitute does not know my schedule, they also do not communicate with my parents to see if I had a rough night or morning at home.

Perhaps they would have been better off training a backup one-on-one helper so in case my helper got sick, the one that was filling in would know my schedule and how to support me.

The last problem I would like to discuss is the "one size fits all model" has to go. It is totally wrong that school districts shove all of the special education students into one classroom. I can tell you from experience that not all students learn at the same levels or at the same pace.

I was lucky to have my 7th-grade teacher for 8th grade as well. She taught at everyone's own unique level one-on-one, as a whole class, and in small groups. If I didn't have a teacher like her who knows where I would be today. Probably not running CrazyFitnessGuy or my own podcast.

What Are The Challenges Faced By Special Education Teachers

What Are The Challenges Faced By Special Education Teachers?

Special education teachers have many challenges that they face every day. I don't think I could teach a group of students with extra challenges because I would not have the patience to deal with the school and or the parents. Some of the greatest challenges that teachers have to face are:

Students learn at different levels
School districts mainly care about teachers teaching students to take the state test
Parents may not care that their kids are having bad behavior
Not enough support from the school district
Students have their own schedules and routines that they stick to and if one thing is changed it can set them off

What Are Some Challenges Faced By Students With Disabilities

What Are Some Challenges Faced By Students With Disabilities?

Even students who are in special education can face problems as well. These problems can include:

Having to attend their own Individual Educational Plan (IEP meetings).
They feel different from the rest of the students in the school
Teachers may not teach at their level
Special education services are not meeting their needs
Special education classes might be too easy for them
Special education assistant keeps changing every year or they might not get one

What Are Some Other Obstacles Do Students With Disabilities Face?

One challenge students may face is being left out of decisions about their own education. When a student is invited to an IEP meeting, that should be a meaningful opportunity to listen, share preferences, and ask questions in a way that matches the student's communication needs. Here is an example from my own experience: when I became old enough to attend my IEP meetings, I was asked to be on my best behavior. I did, but I found the meetings boring because I did not feel able to speak up.

My parents and I listened while educators and administrators discussed what they believed would benefit me. I remember hearing different opinions across the table: "I think Jimmy will benefit from this," followed by, "No, we think this would be much better." I wanted to say, "Jimmy is right here, and he does not think this will benefit him."

That experience taught me the importance of student voice. Adults bring expertise and responsibility, while students bring firsthand knowledge of their needs, goals, strengths, routines, and what support feels helpful. When schools make space for both, IEP meetings can become more collaborative and respectful.

Is It Hard To Be A Special Education Teacher

Is It Hard To Be A Special Education Teacher?

Teaching special education must be a real challenge for teachers and assistants in the education classrooms. However, I would like to think it must be rewarding to see the progress that each student has made over the years.

Conclusion:

I don't think anyone can teach special education just because they are a teacher. It takes a certain skill to teach at everyone different levels of learning. Teaching special education can be rewarding, challenging, and hopefully fun.

Special education services need more teachers like my 7th-grade teacher who is willing to go the extra mile to support special education students.

These are the challenges that teachers, students, staff, and everyone who is in special education face on a daily basis. Like I said before if it wasn't for my 7th-grade teacher who knows where I would be today if it wasn't for her.

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Jimmy Clare

Founder

Jimmy Clare is a Professional Keynote Speaker, Podcaster, Live Stream Host, and Autism Advocate who founded CrazyFitnessGuy® in 2017 to share healthy living through autistic eyes. He combines his lived experience with autism and his own health journey to encourage others to embrace their uniqueness and build sustainable habits.

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