sped

Sped is the past tense of speed, used to indicate moving quickly or performing an action rapidly. It is formed from the verb speed: speed, sped, sped. In everyday usage, sped describes actions completed more quickly than normal in the past, often with adverbs such as sped along or sped up for the race.

SPED is an acronym commonly used for Special Education in educational contexts, especially in the United States. Special Education comprises tailored instruction and supports for students with disabilities to access the general curriculum. Eligibility is determined through multidisciplinary evaluation, and students may receive services documented in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Services can be provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and may include accommodations and modifications in instruction, assistive technology, and related services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive and behavioral supports, and transportation. Placements vary from inclusive classrooms to resource rooms, pull-out programs, or separate settings, depending on individual needs, legal requirements, and available resources.

Although the two meanings share the same term, they come from different domains—one grammatical and general, the other educational. The context usually clarifies whether sped refers to a past tense action or to Special Education services within a schooling system.