The Use of Artificial Intelligence to Create Inclusivity in Special Education Classrooms.

Special Education is defined as specially planned instruction that meets the needs of students with special needs and disabilities. Special needs is a term that relates to specific learning disabilities, and disability is a term that relates to physical and mental inabilities. In Education, and for the purposes of this paper, the terms are used interchangeably. Prior to the late 1960s and early 1970s, students with special needs did not have the right to special Education in the United States. Through parental advocacy groups, creation of laws began to emerge to protect students' rights to fare and appropriate Education. However, despite the legislation, the association of stigmas with inclusive Education continues to cause debate among those who support the idea that students with special needs have a right to quality education delivered by special education instructors in separate classrooms and those who support the idea that all students should have the opportunity to learn together in inclusive classrooms. The attitudes toward inclusive Education, comprehensive teaching practices, and resources are essential factors for implementing inclusion in classrooms. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is minimizing stigmas by promoting equality and individualized learning. AI focuses on areas of development to support students with special needs and therefore enables them to compete with their peers in regular classrooms. Research suggests AI can identify learning difficulties that may lead to students obtaining a diagnosis and receiving tailored support in a timelier manner. AI supports students with special needs in various categories, such as reading, writing, spelling, and math skills. As parents, students, and educators gain interest in the potential of AI in Education, there are still ethical concerns regarding the use of AI. Studies show that 89% of parents and 85% of students support having clear school guidelines on AI technologies. Despite the concerns, AI continues to increase classroom inclusivity and enables all students to attain academic achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]