Parent Presentation

1) Describe Peter (e.g., age, gender, category of disability, ethnicity) and his interactions (e.g., how he interacted with others and the teacher/therapist/leader).

Peter is a white, young adult male who has Down syndrome. His interactions with others are inconsistent. When he is engaged in an activity or process, Peter can be well behaved and cooperative. On the other hand, Peter’s interactions can be very erratic and disruptive. He had trouble following directions, becomes frustrated, and can lash out at times. Peter struggles to learn social skills and fails to pick up on social cues. Many of the social skills that Peter does have seem to be memorized and are not fully understood. He is dependent on others, but could have a happy future

with the help of his loved ones and aids.
2) Describe the environment in which he received services (including how the environment reflects the principle of “Least Restrictive Environment”) (e.g. the physical arrangements including any special accommodations, accessibility, equipment, learning centers or areas of interest).

Peter spends the majority of the day in a classroom with his fellow students. However, during this time, he is not working on the same materials as his classmates. He is included in the group setting, but works independently of it. This reflects the principle of “Least Restrictive Environment,” for Peter may not be at the same intellectual level as his classmates, but he is still included in the group. Peter is shown that he is a part of the class and belongs their just as much as any other student. Accommodations are provided to Peter throughout each day. For instance, he has an aid who helps him with tasks and learning. This aid is with Peter almost all day and attempts to teach his school topics, along with real world skills. Peter’s curriculum is also centered on both educational skills and real world skills. The school’s program is attempting to help Peter become a prosperous member of society.

3) Briefly describe the activities that you observed in the video. Briefly describe the techniques/strategies used by the teacher/therapist/leader to accomplish the objectives of the activity. Briefly (one or two sentences) Peter’s responses to the strategies used.

The people around Peter partook in many activities that involved peter. They attempted to help him to find a job that he could participate in after high school graduation. When Peter would misbehave at a job site, the aid working with his would use different techniques and strategies in an attempt to alter Peter’s behavior and complete the job testing. One of the strategies involved stating Peter’s behavior to him and explaining why it is wrong. Peter did not respond positively to this technique and continued to act out. This exchange ended with Peter being sent to in-school suspension and shutting down. Another activity involved teaching Peter life and social skills. Before prom, an aid has the disabled students practice proper dancing edict. This aid plays music in her classroom and has the students practice dancing and the social skills involved. This hands on strategy was very effective and Peter seemed to enjoy it. Peter danced with one of his classmates and was able to do the same at prom. The people around Peter try a variety of strategies to assist Peter in accomplishing tasks. While some of these strategies do not accomplish the intended result, many do, and Peter benefits greatly from them.

4) What did you find most interesting about the video documentary?

While watching this video, I was struck by Peter’s parent’s optimism and persistence.

Just like we had learned about in the Parent Presentation Video, Peter’s parents fought for everything. They fought for his education, his future, and, most of all, his happiness. Peter’s happiness was of utmost importance to his parents and all those around him. This demonstrated to me that Peter’s parents know what if really important in life and are worried about teaching their child life skills. They have accepted that Peter will never be like other people and needs to be taught skills to make his unique future as bright as

possible.

5) Describe the connection (or lack of connection) in this setting with the principles of the College of Education relating to Knowledge, Technology, Diversity and Ethics? Reflect briefly on how these principles might be incorporated into your classroom.

The setting in which Peter is receiving his education reflects the principles of the College of Education; Knowledge, Technology, Diversity, and Ethics.

Knowledge is reflected in the majority of actions that the school takes. For example, at Peter’s IEP meetings, the school members take time to explain and educate the parents and staff member involved. They want to make sure that not only Peter has the knowledge to succeed, but that those around Peter are properly educated in what is going on in Peter’s life. Technology is the one area that I feel is lacking in Peter’s educational setting. This video is slightly dated, therefore the technology that exists now my not have been as prevalent in Peter’s school. For instance, there are apps and computer programs that could have helped Peter to manage his time and perform tasks. On the other hand, Diversity is reflected in Peter’s educational setting. This diversity is prevalent, for the school make sure that Peter works side by side with both his disabled and nondisabled classmates. This exposed Peter to the diversity of the real work and demonstrates to him that there are people out there who are different than him. Having Peter in the general education classroom also teaches the non-disabled students a similar lesson about the world. Ethics is also reflected in Peter’s setting, for the people around him care for his wellbeing and future. The educators and aids that are relevant in Peter’s life want him to do more than simply

make it through the curriculum. They want to teach him skills that will lead to a happier and more productive future.
As a future educator, examples such as Peter’s situation are necessary for me in developing my teaching philosophy. Peter is just like any other student and these educators and aids have done all that they can to teach him what he needs to know to be successful in his future. They have not lingered on facts and concepts that he will never comprehend, but have altered his curriculum to serve his specific needs. They realized what was important to Peter’s future happiness and capitalized on it. In my future classroom, I will make sure to do the same for my students. The ultimate purpose of educators is to teach our students the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in life and be prosperous members of society. If a student needs to focus more on the life skills aspect of education we as educators need to recognize this and act accordingly. “Graduating Peter” is a phenomenal example of educators responding to the needs of their students.