The exceptional student. When the standard is not sufficient

Defining Exceptionality in the Educational Context

In one sense, it could be argued that every child is exceptional, since no two children are exactly alike in their ways of learning.

However, in the field of educational psychology, the term "students with exceptionalities" is used to describe a specific group of individuals.

This term applies to all those individuals whose physical, mental, or behavioral performance is so different from the norm that they require additional services.

This difference from the norm can be either significantly higher or considerably lower.

The educational system, designed to benefit the greatest number of students, often cannot meet the unique needs of these exceptional students.

A student's inability to perform academic tasks that are appropriate for their age, for whatever reason, makes them an exceptional student.

The Need for Educational Services Special

In order to receive special education services, a student must be diagnosed with one or more of the designated disability or disorder categories.

These additional services, provided in place of or in addition to the general education classroom program, are designed to meet the unique needs of the student.

The goal is to adapt instruction to the varying learning levels and individual characteristics of these students.

Without this specialized support, these students would have great difficulty learning effectively in a general education classroom without any assistance.

The Broad Spectrum of Exceptionality

It is important to understand that these general labels, such as learning disabilities or emotional disturbances, cover a very wide variety of problems and challenges.

Examples of students with exceptionalities include those with intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, or speech disorders.

Also included in this category are students with emotional and behavioral disturbances, as well as those with spectrum disorders autistic.

Sensory impairments, such as vision or he