Education of students with intellectual disabilities in the United States, China and Poland. Analytical and comparative approach

Abstract

Until today, research about the education systems for students with intellectual disabilities has focused on how special education is organised for students who need specialist assistance. Available studies most often describe the education systems in the countries neighbouring Poland, in economically developed countries or in countries which have implemented innovative solutions unknown to other countries, into their educational policies. Poland draws from these types of solutions. It is impossible to describe, in one article, all the education systems for students with mild or severe intellectual disabilities in use around the world. The following two criteria for the selection of countries and their models or systems of education for students with intellectual disabilities were taken into account: (1) two largest countries with regards to population size and economic and financial development, namely the U.S. and China, referring to the educational system for students with intellectual disabilities in Poland; (2) significant differences but also similarities in special education systems and their services for students with intellectual disabilities in the U.S. and China in relation to Poland’s models of special education.