After assessment, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is written for a qualifying student, stating the student's current performance level, future goals and placement. Placement may be a general education classroom or a self-contained program, depending on the student's needs.
Students who have physical, mental or emotional needs that cannot be met in a general education classroom may be taught in a classroom with other students who have similar needs.
Special-education teachers are required to complete a specialized training program and hold at least a bachelor's degree. Many states require a master's degree.
Specially trained therapists or teachers may come to the self-contained classroom to offer services such as physical therapy, adaptive physical education or speech and language therapy.
Students in self-contained programs often interact with their general education peers at lunch, at assemblies and on field trips. Some students also may mainstream into a general education classroom for an academic portion of the school day.