General Education vs. Special Education: Key Differences

Written by: Wilson College • Jul 17, 2026

A Special Education Teacher Works With a Student at a Desk.

As of 2022, 49.6 million students attended prekindergarten to 12th grade in public schools in the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This includes both general education and special education students.

When comparing the two types of instruction, general education vs. special education, the key differences between them can be found in their student populations, legal requirements, and educator qualifications. For prospective teachers interested in working with students with different learning needs, a bachelor’s in special education program offers the foundation for a rewarding, meaningful career with the opportunity to make a real impact on young people’s lives.

What Is General Education?

General education refers to the teaching of a standard curriculum to students in a public school setting. In the United States, general education is provided to children in prekindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school. Professionals working in general education help students build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college or the workforce.

General education teachers emphasize academic growth in multiple subjects. Most students in general education classrooms do not have disabilities that impede their academic progress. However, they may have disabilities that do not qualify for special education services but require certain supports or modifications.

General Education Teachers

General education teachers working at the elementary level educate students in reading, mathematics, and other core subjects. Those working at the secondary level specialize in an area such as language arts, science, or foreign languages.

Public school teachers typically need a teaching credential issued by their state’s board of education. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Education issues teaching certifications. The credentialing process evaluates prospective educators on their general teaching methods and subject-specific knowledge.

What Is Special Education?

Special education refers to the instruction and services provided to students with mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public schools must provide special education to students between the ages of 3 and 21 who fall into at least one of 13 disability categories in the least restrictive environment (LRE) possible. This can involve either mainstreaming these students by placing them in general education classrooms with support or assigning those with certain special needs to specialized classrooms.

The 13 disability categories identified in the IDEA are:

Intellectual disability
Hearing impairment
Speech or language impairment
Visual impairment (including blindness)
Emotional disturbance
Orthopedic impairment
Autism
Traumatic brain injury
Other health impairment
Specific learning disability
Deafness
Deaf-blindness
Multiple disabilities

During the 2022-23 school year, 32% of special education students had a specific learning disability, while 19% had speech or language impairments, 15% had other health impairments, and 13% had autism, according to the NCES. Students with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and hearing or visual impairments made up a smaller share of all special education students.

IEPs vs. 504 Plans

Each special education student has a written individualized education program (IEP) created for them that describes the student’s needs and the specialized instruction and support services they must have. An IEP team that includes teachers, parents, administrators, and specialists regularly reviews and updates the student’s IEP.

A 504 plan lists the accommodations a student must receive. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 introduced 504 plans to ensure that schools provide accommodations, adaptive technologies, and other supports for students with disabilities in general education classrooms.

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers work with students with mild to severe disabilities. They adapt general education lesson plans to meet each student’s needs. Special education teachers also help develop and update students’ IEPs and track their progress.

Teachers who work in special education typically need a teaching license and additional coursework and training in special education. Most states require a specialized endorsement or certification to work as a special education teacher. In Pennsylvania, teachers must pass a special education subject matter test to obtain certification.

General Education vs. Special Education: Similarities

How is general education similar to special education? Both take place in public schools, and both share a similar approach to educating children.

Individualized Learning

In both general and special education settings, educators individualize learning plans for their students. General education teachers use differentiated learning strategies to challenge students, while special education teachers create IEPs to design customized learning plans. These approaches help educators meet the diverse needs of the students in their classrooms.

Collaborative Approach

General education and special education teachers work closely with other educators to support their students’ learning. For example, IEP teams can include teachers from special education and general education classrooms. Both types of educators also work closely with administrators, families, and other stakeholders to ensure that their schools support all students and the community.

Education Regulations

While special education teachers are well-versed in laws such as the IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act, general education teachers also must follow educational laws and regulations. For example, general education teachers must follow the Every Student Succeeds Act, which sets national education laws.

Educator Goals

Teachers in general and special education share a common goal: to help their students reach their potential. In both settings, teachers tailor their lessons to learners’ needs, provide them with additional support when they need it, and collaborate with their families to ensure they stay on track. Regardless of the classroom or school, teachers empower their students with the tools they need to succeed.

General Education vs. Special Education: Key Differences

When comparing general education vs. special education, it’s clear there are key differences between the two. These include differences in classroom environment, students’ education plans, and students’ eligibility. In addition, educators must meet different requirements to work in special education.

Classroom Environment

The learning environment can differ for general and special education students.

Students with disabilities often learn in general education classrooms with accommodations or modifications. These classrooms, called inclusive classrooms, are designed to provide special education students with the support and services they need to learn alongside general education students. These special education students may also receive additional services in small group settings, either in or outside of their general education classroom.

Other special education settings include specific classrooms for students with particular disabilities or impairments. Children with severe disabilities may receive home instruction.

Education Plans

While all educators individualize lesson plans for their students, special education teachers must provide additional documentation of those plans. IEPs are legal documents that include measurable goals, annual reviews, and a dispute resolution process. Special education teachers help create IEPs and regularly update IEP teams on their students’ progress.

Student Eligibility

General education is open to all students, with no eligibility requirements. In contrast, students must meet certain eligibility guidelines to access special education services. Students with disabilities complete an evaluation process that determines both the educational impact of their disability and their eligibility. If their disability has no impact on their educational progress, students are not eligible for special education.

Teacher Requirements

Public school teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete a licensure process. However, the requirements and process differ for general education and special education. Special education teachers are required to complete additional training that covers types of disabilities, educational assessment methods, and early intervention. Educators can also obtain a special education certification to showcase their expertise.

Earn a Special Education Degree at Wilson College Online

The need for special education teachers continues to grow, and Pennsylvania ranks among the states with the highest percentage of students eligible for special education, according to the NCES. The Bachelor of Arts in Special Education program at Wilson College Online prepares individuals for licensure as special education teachers in Pennsylvania.

Students in the program explore child cognitive development, educational psychology, and early intervention for children with disabilities. They also build their collaboration and communication skills through student teaching practicums.

Find out how Wilson College Online can help you start a rewarding career in special education.

Recommended Readings

5 Dyslexia Teaching Strategies for Special Education Professionals

6 Key Special Education Teacher Skills

Special Education Career Path

Sources:

Hawaii State Department of Education, “What Is Special Education”

Learning Disabilities Association of America, Special Education Terms to Know

National Center for Education Statistics, Public School Enrollment

National Center for Education Statistics, Students With Disabilities

Pennsylvania Department of Education, Certification Services

Pennsylvania Department of Education, IEPs and 504 Service Agreements