ABSTRACT
This chapter provides extraordinary insight into and recommendations for the crucial components of specialized schools, and discusses the foundational theories and research, which have influenced the purpose and practices offered in specialized school settings. Specialized secondary schools are designed to meet the unique education needs of students and may be established at the district or state level. Best practices such as acceleration, ability grouping, and mentoring are able to come together in specialized schools. Specialized schools can also support differentiated affective development through shared interests among learners. Magnet schools are free public elementary and secondary schools of choice that are operated at the school district level or among a consortium of districts. Practical implications for special schools may take a variety of forms and vary among topics related to residential versus commuter, high school versus primary, discipline-focused versus broad, and collegiate versus K–12 environment.
