Explicating Special and General Education: Fostering an Equitable, Responsive, and Inclusive Learning Environment
A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 15
Special Issue Editors
Interests: special education, accessible mathematic teachings, learning disabilities including ADHD and autism, and teacher preparation
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The landscape of education, encompassing both ‘special’ and ‘general’ education, currently faces significant transformation and uncertainty. The recent layoffs within the U.S. Department of Education may adversely affect access to a free and appropriate public education for millions, particularly jeopardizing the oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as it marks its 50th anniversary. IDEA’s core aim is to ensure equitable access for students with disabilities, yet laws have increasingly established a divide between special and general education systems. This has resulted in communication breakdowns akin to a “Tower of Babel,” complicating integration efforts. Enhancing inclusivity necessitates improved collaboration and comprehensive teacher training, whereby educators from both domains can collectively address diverse learning needs. Progress has been made through reforms emphasizing early interventions, which are pivotal for reducing unwarranted referrals to special education. Nonetheless, systemic barriers, including large class sizes and insufficient policy support, hinder these initiatives. Addressing the challenges of inclusion requires bridging knowledge gaps and enhancing legislative commitment to collaborative educational practices. This Special Issue of Education Sciences presents studies examining 50 years of IDEA, the relationship between general and special education, and prospective inclusive education practices, with a focus on innovative strategies such as Artificial Intelligence and data-driven methodologies.
Dr. Susan Courey
Dr. Roslyn Haber
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- special education
- IDEA
- inclusion
- artificial intelligence
- evidence-based practices
- innovative pedagogy
- technology
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