Exceptional children are different in some significant way
from others of the same age. For these children to develop their full adult
(36) , their education must be (37) to those
differences. Although we focus on the needs of exceptional
children, we find ourselves (38) their environment as well.
Both the family and the society in which exceptional children live are often the
key to their growth and development. And it is in the public schools that we
find the full (39) of society’s understanding — the
knowledge, hopes, and fears that are (40) on to the next
generation. Education in any society is a mirror of that
society. In that mirror we can see the strengths, the weaknesses, the hopes,
the (41) , and the central values of the culture itself. The
great interest in exceptional children shown in public education over the past
three decades (42) the strong feeling in our society that all
citizens, whatever their special conditions, (43) the
opportunity to fully develop their capabilities. "All men are
created equal." We’ve heard it many times, but it still has important meaning
for education in a democratic society. (44) That concept
implies educational opportunity for all children — (45)
Recent court decisions have confirmed the right of all children to an
appropriate education, (46) In response, schools are
modifying their programs, adapting instruction to children Who are exceptional,
to those who cannot profit substantially from regular programs.