What is special education?
Special Education is the design of teaching and learning strategies for individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties. Special education is also about understanding the different needs that students have, including the different types of disability and learning difficulties.
Who is special education for?
Special education is for students with special educational needs. These may be students who have a general difficulty with some part of their learning at school or who seem to have difficulty with all kinds of learning. They may be students with a particular disability, such as a hearing impairment, a vision impairment, a speech impairment, a physical impairment, or intellectual disability. They may be students with behaviour disorders, emotional problems or a medical condition of one kind or another. Their special need might be permanent or it might be temporary; this depends on the nature of the need and, to some extent, on what action is taken by their parents, teachers and other community members. Any student can have a special educational need at some time or another, and any student can develop a special need. This is why it is sometimes said that special education is for all students.
The nature of special needs:-
A disability is any condition that prevents, delays or interferes with a child’s normal achievement and development. A disability may be classified as one of the following:
• Developmental : Developmental disabilities involve cognitive functions which are much lower than average. Poor cognitive development usually prevents a person from functioning well in everyday life. Such deficiencies are obvious during a child’s life.
• Learning : A learning disability involves a disorder in understanding or using spoken or written language. A child with a learning disability may be unable to listen, think, speak, spell or do mathematical problems
• Physical: Educators who care for children with physical disabilities need to learn about each child’s special needs like freedom of movement, self help skills etc.
• Sensory: Vision and hearing problems fall into the category of sensory disabilities. Loss or impaired use of a sense greatly affects a child’s life and learning abilities, but does not necessarily impact their intelligence. With good support and education, they can adapt to their disabilities and live more fulfilling lives.
School’s initiatives:-
Our special education teacher use various techniques to promote learning. Depending on the requirement, teaching methods include:
- Concept development
- Conversation skills development
- Problem-solving techniques
- Responses to communication from others
- Self-direction
- Self-help skills (eating, dressing, grooming)
- Social skills development
- Sound and gestures response
- Understanding space
- Visual perception
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
An Individualized Education Program (commonly referred to as IEP) is a document, mandated by the IDEA, which clearly defines the individual goal and objectives set for a child with a disability. These programs are written documentation of the special education program and academic modifications required to meet the child’s individual needs. The two main purposes of a student’s IEP are to:
- Set reasonable learning goals for the student, and
- State the required services that the school district needs to provide for said child.
IEPs are developed by a team including the child’s teacher(s), parents, and supporting school staff. This team meets annually (at minimum) to assess the academic and developmental progress of the student, design appropriate educational plans, and adhere any changes if necessary. The main goal these reviews is to ensure that the child is receiving appropriate and adequate services within their least restrictive environment.
Inclusive Education
“Children who learn together, learn to live together”.
🌈 Inclusive Education at SBGS
At SBGS, we believe every child is unique and has the right to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that respects and supports their individuality. Our commitment to inclusive education ensures that students of all abilities, backgrounds, and learning needs are welcomed, accepted, and empowered in regular classrooms. We go beyond academic success — focusing equally on emotional, social, physical, moral, and intellectual development.
💡 What We Believe :
- All children can learn when given the right support.
- Diversity is a strength, not a barrier.
- Education must be accessible, flexible, and inclusive for every student.
👩🏫 Our Approach :
We create personalized pathways for learning by:
- Encouraging creativity, self-expression, and cognitive development.
- Supporting children in discovering their strengths and talents.
- Promoting empathy and collaboration among students of different abilities.
🧩 Support Systems at SBGS :
We have built a robust, compassionate support network, including:
- Individual & Group Remedial Sessions
- Special Education & Counselling Services
- Flexible classroom accommodations like extra time, reading support, and alternative seating during assessments.
- Experiential & Multisensory Teaching using smart boards, project work, and art-based techniques.
- Peer Tutoring & Mentoring Programs
- Special classes for specially-need learners
🤝 Benefits of Inclusion :
Inclusive education helps students:
- Develop self-confidence and independence
- Achieve personal goals while learning with age-appropriate peers
- Form lasting friendships across diverse communities
- Learn to value differences and build a more compassionate society
📌 Our Vision :
We envision a learning space where every child is seen, heard, and supported—regardless of their abilities or challenges.
At SBGS, inclusion is not just a policy, it is the heart of everything we do.