ABSTRACT
The surprisingly high standards achieved, not only in basic subjects but also in creative work and practical subjects, have helped to develop an awareness of the value of special educational treatment. The criterion of the need for special educational treatment is to be essentially an educational one; the category is based on educational needs, not medical or psychological types. Local Education Authorities have to ascertain which children are in need of special educational treatment as educationally subnormal pupils. The aims and methods of the special school are needed not only for the 1 per cent who are selected as most in need of special schooling but also for the many backward children who remain in ordinary school. One of the most gratifying developments has been the change in attitude of both parents and teachers towards the special school.
