Advancing Inclusion: A Systematic Overview of Special Education in the United States

Abstract: Special education in the United States has undergone significant evolution, shaped by legal mandates, pedagogical advancements, and societal shifts. This paper explores the current landscape of special education through a systematic review of relevant literature, focusing on the legal foundations, instructional strategies, inclusion practices, and recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the distinction between IEPs and 504 Plans, and the ongoing debate over inclusion versus segregation are discussed in depth. Emerging tools like Social Stories and differentiated instruction, as well as parental experiences during home-based learning, are examined. The findings underscore the importance of a rights-based, inclusive, and adaptable educational framework for all learners with disabilities in the United States. Keywords: Special Education, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Inclusive Education, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Educational Equity