EN
The article is devoted to special education trends in the 21st century, changes affecting education in general. The 21st century can be seen as the century for challenges. More and more the concepts of inclusive education and inclusive approach come to the view finding access to all people who are learning. However, the specific knowledge and professional competence of the special education teacher always calls for addressing issues related to students with special needs requiring specific teaching methods and support throughout the learning process. In this context, a small illustration offers comparative data on the students’ and teachers’ views in 2002 and 2012, for this article, and the student survey data in the academic years 2002–2009 at the University of Latvia. Various European projects are viewed, and the positive impact on both the development of special schools and special educators’ growth. Particular emphasis on the activities of the European Agency for Development in Special needs Education is made, to its success and the need to make use of the results.