Special Education as Defined by Ed Code
Special Education is defined in the California Education Code (56031) as:
Specifically designed instruction, at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of individuals with exceptional needs whose educational needs cannot be met with modification of the general instructional program, and related services at no cost to the parent, which may be needed to assist such individuals to benefit from specially designed instruction. Special education is an integral part of the total public education system and provides education in a manner that promotes maximum interaction between children with disabilities and typically developing children in a manner which is appropriate to the needs of both.