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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Franklin spent the first 29 years of his career in Sand Springs Public Schools as a special education teacher, principal and district administrator. Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 31 Mar. 2026 This likely results in special education teachers and specialists handling more cases, increasing workloads in a job category that’s already difficult to staff. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 The total count of JCPS students receiving special education services has increased by about 1,000 children over the past few years, growing from 12,358 students in the 2020-21 school year to 13,406 students last school year — making up about 14% of the total student population. Kathryn Muchnick, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026 Education policy analysts told NPR that public schools are often the primary access point for services such as free meals, special education and mental health support—services that could become harder to administer if children’s legal status is called into question. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 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 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

special education

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

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