Difference Between Regular Schools and Special Schools
Special schools differ from regular schools in their specific educational and care offerings. While regular schools have a uniform curriculum, special schools adapt their content and methods to the individual needs of the students. Classes are conducted in smaller groups, often with a higher teacher-to-student ratio and additional educational professionals.
Various Support Focuses
In Germany, there are different types of special schools that specialize in various disabilities or developmental delays. The most common support focuses are: learning, intellectual development, physical and motor development, emotional and social development, hearing, seeing, language, and the support of students with multiple disabilities.
Inclusion and Special Schools
In recent years, there has been a shift towards inclusion in Germany. More and more students with special educational needs are being taught in regular schools. This involves close collaboration between regular schools and special schools. Despite this trend, special schools continue to exist and provide an important supplement to the inclusive approach, especially for children whose support needs require specialized care and resources.
Access and Classification
The assignment of a student to a special school is usually determined by a report that identifies the child’s specific support needs. Parents have a say in whether their child should be educated at a special school or an inclusive regular school. The classification is carried out by interdisciplinary teams that include special educators, doctors, and psychologists.
Training of Teachers
Teachers at special schools have specialized training in special education. They are trained to respond individually to the special needs of students and to develop corresponding support plans. The training to become a special educator in Germany usually involves a teaching degree with a focus on one of the support areas and subsequent practical training.
Opportunities and Challenges
Special schools provide children with special educational needs with a tailored learning environment. This gives them the opportunity to realize their potential as best as possible. However, there are also critical voices that point out that separating students with and without disabilities is not beneficial for social integration. Proponents of inclusion argue that mixed learning environments promote social participation and acceptance of people with disabilities.
The Future of Special Schools
The future of special schools in Germany is marked by inclusion. As more and more students are integrated into regular schools, there will still be a need for specialized schools that can provide individual support for children with severe impairments. The challenge lies in creating a balanced education system that enables both inclusion and specialized support.