特別支援学校 (tokubetsu shien gakkou) are special need schools providing education to the mental and physically impaired. A student of mine attends one; he is brilliant but dislikes noise, and drawing him to speak is a challenge. No doubt there are multiple behavioural issues in such schools.
Still, this in no way excuses the physical and verbal abuse a teacher at the Kumamoto Prefectural Special Needs School repeatedly inflicted on one of his students, including assault on the lower body and comments such as “You stink!” The school has apologized to the family and the teacher placed on leave - hopefully never to return. Patience and compassion are essential for all educators. - William
