[Articles](/articles.html)>[Education](/articles.html#education-articles)> What is exceptional student education?

# What is exceptional student education?

April 03, 2026 • 7 minutes
Written by[Sophia Dunn](/blog/authors/sophia-dunn.html)

Reviewed by[Pamela M. Roggeman](/about/academic-leadership/dean-pamela-roggeman.html), EdD, Dean, College of Education

Standard instruction does not always provide everything students require in K–12 education. For these students, specialized programs tailored to their distinct developmental abilities can help their progress, including special education and exceptional student instruction. 

## Understanding exceptional student education

Exceptional student education (ESE) is an educational approach serving students who have disabilities and students who are gifted, providing specially designed instruction to meet each student’s learning needs.

Eligible exceptional children can receive specialized educational services through the[Individuals with Disabilities Education Act](https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/)[(IDEA)](https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/). Exceptional student education programs ensure children with disabilities have access to “free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.” According to IDEA, more than 8 million students received exceptional student education in the school year 2022–2023, including infants, toddlers, children and youth.

In some programs, ESE can encompass both gifted and special needs students. The terminology can vary by state, but gifted students “perform, or have the capability to perform, at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience and environment in one or more domains,” according to the[National Association for Gifted Children](https://www.nagc.org/what-is-giftedness). Gifted students may need accommodations to meet their potential or address learning and processing disorders that necessitate individualized attention. Gifted students may also need social and emotional guidance in addition to their specific talent area.[Special education](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/education/careers-with-a-special-education-degree.html)includes professional services that support students whose disability could interfere with academic progress.

Schools structure their exceptional student education programs differently. For students who struggle in school, the school system typically administers a test to determine whether special education is needed. IDEA defines what constitutes a student with a disability who needs special education. The Act also requires public schools to administer and pay for the test upon request by parents or caretakers.

The scope of ESE is broader in some states, where the program includes both students with disabilities and gifted students. This expansive umbrella of educational needs necessitates a wider framework to accommodate diverse student abilities. 

## Exceptional students and categories of exceptionality

An exceptional student’s learning needs differ significantly from those of their peers and may develop differently, according to[the Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology.](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/exceptional-students)Such a student may also be one “who has exceptional learning styles, exceptional talents, or exceptional behaviors.”

The “exceptional student” designation includes individuals with disabilities who face challenges in areas such as learning and communication, as well as in behavioral and physical development. The category also includes gifted students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual capabilities, creative talents or advanced abilities in specific academic areas.

These students require specially created educational instruction to meet their intellectual needs, just as students with disabilities do.

Approximately 6% of K–12 students enrolled in U.S. public schools are identified as gifted and in gifted programs, according to the[National Association for Gifted Children](https://www.nagc.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-gifted-education). Gifted students often demonstrate strong achievement or potential for achievement in academic, artistic and related areas.

Students who are gifted and have a disability are called twice-exceptional learners. For example, a student who excels in creative thinking and math may also struggle with social interactions and reading comprehension. This masking can make identification and support administration challenging. These students can have various categories of exceptionality that require distinct educational settings.

Specific learning disabilities represented the most common service for special education students in 2022 to 2023.

ESE services are available to qualifying students based on:

- Specific learning disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Behavioral and emotional disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Language and speech impairments
- Visual and hearing impairments
- Physical disabilities

ESE programs deliver a responsive, flexible approach to individual student needs based on the type of exceptionality. 

## Creating inclusive learning environments in ESE

Exceptional students’ integration into general classrooms is an approach designed to minimize the “separate-but-not-equal” experience of classroom removal.

Known as the least restrictive environment (LRE), this concept guides educational placement decisions for students with disabilities.

For these integrated students, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) created by educators provide a pathway for general classroom participation. The students’ needs drive the concept for possible LRE scenarios:

- General education classroom with support from a tutor or an aide, or assistive technology
- Partial mainstream/inclusion classroom, where a child spends some of the day in a general education class, then receives additional small-group instruction with special education
- Special education class with specialized instruction for individuals with similar learning needs
- Specialized programs outside of the school district in a residential program, private school or hospital

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 67.7% of children with disabilities in 2023–2024 were in general education classrooms the majority of their school day. This statistic represents an increase from the baseline of 63.5% and steady progress toward the desired goal of 73.3%.

To foster inclusion within LRE environments, teachers employ exceptional student education strategies such as:

- **Differentiated instruction**: Educators teach material in multiple presentation formats, providing students with different pathways to understanding.
- **Universal design:**The learning environment provides accessible materials and activities.
- **Flexible grouping:**Students participate in configurations based on learning style, skill level or interest.

The foundation of effective exceptional student education strategies goes beyond curriculum design by general and special educators. It also involves a collaborative partnership between families and specialists.

Speech-language pathologists, school psychologists and occupational therapists are among the specialists who assist students. Parents also equip teachers and specialists with knowledge about the child’s strengths, challenges and needs outside of the classroom.

This collaborative care method can help create a suitable IEP that documents performance levels, measurable outcomes, distinct services and accommodations, and methodologies for tracking progress. The IEP team, composed of parents, teachers, administrators and specialists, reviews progress regularly and revises the plan accordingly.

Since the IEP is a legal document required by the U.S. government for every student who needs special education, the plan must define how schools will measure progress according to the individually tailored accommodations. 

## Support services and resources for exceptional students

Exceptional students receive diverse support services to help develop skills for independence and achieve positive educational outcomes. These related support services complement the student’s IEP and specially designed exceptional student education program.

These services could include:

- Speech-language pathology services to help students with communication skills
- Occupational therapy to develop daily living abilities and fine motor skills
- Physical therapy to refine mobility and gross motor function
- Counseling services to address social and emotional needs
- Assistive technology to provide access to curriculum materials
- Behavioral interventions to enable effective learning behaviors and curb impediments
- Transportation services for disabled students needing specialized equipment

Individual student needs determine which accommodations will be provided within the particular exceptional student education program. Some students will need modified assignments with reduced workloads. Other students could receive extra time on tests or access to supplemental information and notes before class. The core material students learn is the same as in the general classroom, but the instructional style may differ.

Exceptional students also receive preparation for postsecondary education. Generally, when the student turns 14, the IEP team begins planning a pathway for vocational training, independent living skills, secondary education or employment.

This transition plan can help to develop life goals and connects the student with community resources as they reach adulthood. 

## Learn more about exceptional student education

Interested in learning more about exceptional student education? University of Phoenix offers[online education degrees](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-education-degrees.html)designed for working professionals, including[master’s programs](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-education-degrees/masters.html)such as the[Master of Arts in Education/Special Education](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-education-degrees/special-education-masters-degree.html). Contact University of Phoenix[for more information](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information). 

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### ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sophia Dunn is a writer, content strategist, and editor. Dunn has worked on editorial projects for large tech organizations like Google and Microsoft, while also writing for organizations like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and George Washington University. 

### ABOUT THE REVIEWER

As dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education, Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.   
[Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html)