Education is one of the most important aspects of society. Through education, we develop vital life skills, build an understanding of social norms, develop sound judgment and reasoning, and learn to discern right from wrong. As the world advances and changes, so must education. In recent years, there has been a growing need for new beginnings in education, particularly in the field of Special Education.

The idea of deep roots in education refers to the essential values and principles that have always been at the heart of learning. Critical thinking, capability building, creativity, resourcefulness, and collaboration are some of the guiding principles of education today. New beginnings refer to the growth and changes needed to keep education relevant. Education systems must adapt to meet the changing needs of students to adequately prepare them for life in an ever-changing world. Educators must be willing to embrace new teaching systems and methods to ensure the success of their students.

In recent years, there has been a growing shift in the field of special education from the traditional teacher-centric approach to a student-driven, hands-on approach, which recognizes the importance of building on students’ individual strengths and experiences. The basic principle of this method is that knowledge is constructed. That is, students build on what they already know, that students learn how to learn, and that learning is contextual, social, and an active process.

In this regard, other systems have embraced and taken this approach a step further. Curative Education is one such example. In addition to embracing the idea of active student participation in the learning process, curative education also takes into account therapies and
recognizes that a child’s lifestyle and overall life situation can help or hinder their learning. Thus, the scope of a curative education teacher is broader than that of a special education teacher whose primary focus is on academic learning and skill development.

Deep, sturdy roots and new beginnings in education are essential for creating relevant educational systems that ensure positive outcomes for students with and without special needs.