The History of Special Education within Public Schools: This course will be an extensive study of the history of special education within the K-12 public education system over the course of the last 50 years. This will be reflective and eye opening for many, considering the harsh realities that once used to be the status quo of the educational system. Over time, several important court cases and lawsuits have helped shape the modern day system of special education. This system is ever changing and growing as public educators learn more every year how to best meet the needs of students with special needs. The world of Special education has sometimes caused a difference in opinions for many educators, however plays an important role for thousands of individuals born with a disability.