Exceptional Learners

Exceptional learners are students that require special education and related services that help them reach their potential (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2015). There is a wide range of exceptional learners. Each are unique in their own way. These particular students have specific educational differences from other students when it comes to learning (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2015). In order for these students to reach their potential and gain satisfactory progress, they must receive certain services and early intervention is critically important.

In every state, there are specific guidelines and rules that must be followed in order to meet the standards within the Individuals with Disabilities Act, or IDEA. The IDEA requires each state to have a specific plan for identifying students with potential disabilities (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2015). Students who are identified with potentially needing special education or related services are usually referred by their general education teachers. However, sometimes the referral comes from the parents/guardians. Once the student is referred to possibly receive special education, they can be evaluated, but only with the full consent of the parents/guardians (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2015). The evaluation takes place over the course of 60 days- after the consent of the parents. This determines the results in which whether or not the student will receive or is eligible for special education services.

When it comes to the eligibility of a student being able to receive special education, there is a multidisciplinary team that makes this determination. This team consists of parents/guardians, a special education teacher, a general education teacher, counselor, administrator, and/or a school psychologist (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2015). Having a general education teacher in this particular meeting is not an option. A general education teacher can range from a social studies teacher to a physical education teacher. The multidisciplinary team makes their decision solely based on the presence of the student’s disability and the need for the service (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2015).

When developing a student’s individualized education program, or IEP, there is a team of professionals that work together along with the parents that help design this specific program in order to clearly outline the goals and objectives of the student’s learning. It helps give an overview of where the student is now, whether it be academically or behaviorally, and where they need to be. This occurs on an annual basis. IEPs help with finding the right placement for the student, which ultimately will allow the student to flourish and do well. There is a range of environments where students can be placed in order to accommodate their needs. The overall goal of the multidisciplinary team is to transition the student into a classroom with a least restrictive environment,