special education

noun

: classes or instruction designed for students with special educational needs

Examples of special education in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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So far, more than 4,000 employees have been laid off, disrupting government services devoted to, among other things, cybersecurity efforts, special education programs, substance abuse treatment and loans for small businesses. Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025 Throughout this process, parents may seek support and guidance from OSEP to make sure state investigations into special education cases are being done and being done well. Joshua Cowen, The Conversation, 17 Oct. 2025 Still, by October — amid the government shutdown — mass layoffs were imperiling the DOE’s ability to administer special education, department sources told ABC News. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 My top priorities are supporting students with special education needs, advancing equity and inclusion, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining safe, secure learning environments. Pioneer Press Elections Team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special education

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special education was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Special education.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20education. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

special education

noun
: classes or instruction designed for students with special educational needs

More from Merriam-Webster on special education

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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