Understanding special education in America: Perspectives concerning our past, present, and future

The purpose of this study was to examine special education from an historical, qualitative, descriptive, and case study perspective regarding special need students throughout America, and within the Kern High School District in Bakersfield, California. More specifically, the following special need students is given focused concern: deaf, blind, "deviant" or emotionally disturbed, mentally ill, mentally retarded (severely/profoundly handicapped), cerebral palsy and/or orthopedically handicapped, and learning handicapped individuals. Also, focus is given to the special education area of inclusion or mainstreaming, collaboration, and minority education. The history of special education is completed by developing a literature review about significant areas of academic concern. In addition, two Kern High School District special education directors (a former and a current) were interviewed in an effort to garner historical and current special education concerns district wide. The overall result is a document that enhances the field of special education instruction.