Education of exceptional children means provision of special educational services to those children who are either handicapped or gifted. Exceptional children differ from average children in mental characteristics, sensory abilities, physical characteristics, emotional behaviour, or communication abilities to the extent that they require special educational services to develop their 1 . The Department of Education 2 that 10 to 20 percent of the children in the Unite States suffer from handicaps. Another 2 to 3 percent are considered gifted. Special education provides these children with learning experiences suitable to their unique abilities.
Caring for people who have disabilities is a relatively 3 idea. In ancient times disabled people were left to die. During the Middle Ages they were treated more 4 , but it was not thought that they could learn. In the 19th century, residential treatment centres were 5 , first in Europe and then in the US by individual states, to care for people who were blind, deaf, severely retarded, or suffered from severe emotional disorders. By the 20th century, 6 classes and public day schools were begun, but these served very few children. After World War Ⅱ the attitude of Americans concerning the education of persons who were disabled changed significantly. 7 for special education was assumed by state legislatures and the federal government. Parent groups formed to 8 for the rights of children with disabilities, joined with professional educational programs.
In 1925 the US congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act which 9 a free and appropriate education to all children in the US between the ages of 3 and 21. The law provides funds for special education programs to states and local districts that 10 with a set of guidelines.
A. established B. humanely C. installed D. estimates
E. Responsibility F. guarantees G. potential H. probability
I. special J. evaluates K. private L. lobby
M. new N. personally O. comply