The population of special education students makes up 10 to 15 percent of school enrollment in the United States and touches both extremes of the educational challenges. It includes students with learning difficulties who attend any special-day class, students who require classroom support, and students who are classified as gifted and are placed in accelerated classes.

According to the Digest of Education Statistics, there are approximately 700,000 children in special education within the public education system. For them, school is often frustrating and agonizingly difficult. Half of these children have learning disabilities, and, for them, schoolwork is like a puzzle that just won't fit together. These children don't understand why they just can't grasp math, reading, writing, or simple concepts even though they are trying as best they can.

National PTA believes that all children have the right to a quality public education which allows each child the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. The PTA encourages the establishment of special education sections in any association, so that parents of children with special needs can come together for study of and action on their particular concerns. Projects and activities related to children with special needs can be promoted and study groups can be formed to further interest in and understanding of children with special needs.

After providing life’s basic needs, the greatest thing a parent can do for a child is to be involved and to encourage and help the child develop into the best person possible. Ways to be involved include becoming acquainted with the teachers and staff in the school district, especially those whose job specifically relates to the child’s special needs. Join PTA or PTSA, School Site Council, or other parent involvement groups at the school and district, and volunteer in the classroom or at the school. If parent groups are not available, suggest forming one that addresses the special needs of your child; in this way you can get to know and network with other parents within your specific special needs community.

Another way to be involved with your child is to encourage extra-curricular activities. There are many community sports activities, such as Little League, AYSO, basketball and football, to name a few. Each of these sports organizations have divisions specifically for children with handicaps and disabilities and most need peer volunteers—children who help children succeed in these sports. This would be a wonderful place for gifted students to start earning community service hours that provide an advantage on college applications.