According to The Wikipedia Dictionary, special education, also known as special ed, SPED or defectology refers to the teaching of students with academic, behavioral or health/physical needs that cannot be met in the general education program.

     The mission of special education is to provide appropriate educational programs and services which will enable all children with disabilities to become a:

self directed learner ; community contributor; complex thinker; quality producer; effective communicator; and effective and ethical user of technology.