The National Education Reports and Special Education: Implications for Students

This article examines the omission of special education from the national reports in terms of negative implications for low-achieving students and those currently receiving special services. Current economic and political variables have minimized both the interface between regular and special education and society's willingness to attend to the educational needs of all children. An analysis of a recent report of the Heritage Foundation underscores the growing jeopardy of special education programs. As proposed, many of the recommendations of the national reports including the “push for excellence” (as interpreted by the schools) will have devasting results for many students, particularly those with special educational needs. National educational reforms must include special education if they are to be successful for all children.