. Fantaw, Tilahun(Ato)Kebu, Bizuneh2018-07-102023-11-102018-07-102023-11-102008-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/7626The study was generally intended to investigate the status of special needs education in primary schools of Arsi Zone. To attain this objective data was collected from secondary and primary sources. Primary data was collected from Zone education office head, Zone special needs education expert, Woreda education offices heads, WEO special needs experts, principals, teachers and students using questionnaire, semi structured interview guide and observation check list. Secondary data was collected from annual statistic abstract of Oromia Education Bureau (2003/4-2006/7), Arsi Zone Education Office annual statistics report (2008) and sample Vloredas performance report (2008). The data was presented and ana!yzed descnprively using percentages, mean, grand mean and rank order. lCi'urthennore, relevant literatures were also reviewed. It was found that the status of special needs education in Arsi zone is low, though there is improvement in last two years (2007/8). Thus, expansion qf units and special classes attached to regular schools by mobilizing community, religious organization, and NGOs, involving special needs education teachers in curriculum development and training large number of teachers in special needs education were recommended to improve the challenges faced by Al'si Zone Education Office in provision of special needs education .enStatus of special needsThesis