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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Black students were overrepresented in special education and school suspensions, while simultaneously being underrepresented in gifted programs and advanced courses. — Shaun Harper, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Domínguez, a former special education teacher, was the fifth candidate to enter the race for the citywide role. — Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 In June, the US Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced plans to move the Office of Civil Rights to the Department of Justice, and special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services. — Anna Alejo, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 A lot of that money comes from the federal government and the state of Kansas, but the Kansas Legislature hasn’t allocated enough state money to cover all of the costs to administer special education services for more than a decade. — Taylor O'Connor 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 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

Rhymes for special education

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Browse Nearby Words

special ed
special education
special effect
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Cite this Entry

“Special education.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20education. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

special education

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

More from Merriam-Webster on special education

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about special education

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