Meeting the educational needs of students is a challenge facing educators, parents, and community members. With increased demands in education, a vastly changing and diverse student body; the challenge becomes greater. The Essentials of Special Education: Diversity in the Classroom provides information based upon research-based practices, programs, and data. With increased demands in education, this guide will increase awareness for schools, educators, parents, and students seeking to meet the diverse needs of today's special education population, and in essence, all students enrolled in public education.