Special education today is still focused on helping children with disabilities learn. But this no longer has to mean placing kids in a special classroom all day long. In fact, federal law requires that students who receive special education services be taught alongside their non-disabled peers as much as possible. here is no ?one size fits all? approach to special education. It?s tailored to meet each student?s needs. Special education refers to a range of services that can be provided in different ways and in different settings.