Special Education Services Method

Special Education services are delivered using two primary methods the Cascade of Services approach or the Full Inclusion technique. Each method has its own benefits and pitfalls as well as specific components. There has been no decision as to which method is superior and often these methods are used in the same educational setting based on the needs of the individual.
The Cascade of Services method was developed in the 1970s by Evelyn Deno to serve as a diagnostic filter. This method has seven layers with the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) with the greatest number of students at the top. This layer is the regular classroom with every child learning in that classroom despite their need for special education. The next level has the student attending general education classes but also leaving that classroom for supplemental instruction. The third level is a resource room where the child leaves the general education classroom and goes to a space with a special education instructor to receive extra assistance. Level four is more restrictive by requiring the student spend their time in a specialized room inside the regular school. The fifth level
A student with special needs despite the severity of their disability, remains in the regular education classroom and the resources that student needs is brought into the classroom. These resources can include a special education teacher, aid, specialized equipment. The benefit of this method is that it ensures the student is in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), the regular classroom. It also aids students’ development with social skills as well as academic skills. The disadvantages are the lack of qualified personal and some experts say it places the special needs student as well as the regular education students at a