Before I read, here are my thoughts: What do I already know about exceptionality and special education in a few words (you can list terms or share a few experiences you’ve had)? -People who do things/tasks differently than the average person I have gone on a mission trip to China and visited/help people with brittle bone disease. They were not sad, lonely or felt like they were disabled. It was part of their lifestyle and they knew no difference. Even though we had sympathy for them, they were very content and happy. What questions do I have? How do I approach someone with a disability without seeming rude or judgmental? What do I say when I accidently use the wrong term? Rating my knowledge: Please rate your knowledge before you read using this scale: I don’t feel like I know anything about this topic. I’ve heard some of the terms, but couldn’t tell you what they mean I feel fairly comfortable with the key concepts, but want to know more. I know all about this, and could teach this section. 2. I would love to learn more and I have a little knowledge about the key concepts on special education. As I read, here are my thoughts: Main Topic – You will find information about the main topic in the textbook or materials listed. Key Points – In this column, add your own thoughts. This should be a summary of what you have learned and does not need to be in complete sentences (bullet points, etc are fine). You do not have to cite sources as long as you are using the sources given in the course. Disability – what does this term mean and how should it be used? “Disability is the inability to do something, a diminished capacity to perform in a specific way.” It can be used when referring to a person’s inability to do something due to p... ... middle of paper ... ...the process and knowing your rights when placing your child in special education. The second video include information that was not mentioned in chapter one, such as the challenges when finding the right special program and that you must research to know the options available to you. After I read, here are my thoughts: What questions do I still have? Other information I’d like to include/remember from this chapter’s reading Special education isn’t just for those with disabilities but also for those who struggle in the average learning environment. Furthermore, some parents or guardians are not eager to ask for help or do not want to consider special education for their child as they think their child is “perfect” “normal” or fine. It is our job as educators to inform parents that it is not a bag thing for their child to get extra help to improve their academics.
...n countries are considering the development of a special education system, necessary planning must be implemented to inform and educate all staff members and involvement of researchers to discuss and examine the entire educational program. The most important part of the system must consider the students well-being with the least obstructive involvement in students school and educational life. All factors of the students life must be presented including home life which creates an necessary and crucial involvement of the parents. Inclusion requires constant assessment of practices and results to better inform all parties of student progress. As inclusion becomes more widespread, a collaboration of developers and data must be analyzed to determine specific, effective strategies in creating happy, contributing citizens. (Wisconsin Education Association Council, 2007)
My personal philosophy on special education begins with this firm conviction, I believe all children are “uniquely and wonderfully” made, and regardless of their disability, posse unique gifts and talents. My philosophy of special education has developed, not from just being a general education teacher for many years, and a graduate student in special education, but also from being blessed to be a parent of a special needs child. I believe that every child deserves to have the best possible education, regardless of their disabilities or challenges. It is our responsibility, as special education teachers, to not focus on a student’s disabilities and challenges, but rather focus and develop their personal gifts and talents, in an environment
In modern times, special education refers to individualized instruction provided by school districts that fit the needs of a student’s exceptionality (Turnbull, Turnbull, Wehmeyer & Shogren, 2013). Special education is a rewarding field that encompasses the success of all learners with exceptionalities. Consequently, professionals in this discipline have to exhibit characteristics such as patience, ardor, and empathy. These individuals also have to be “self-aware culturally,” and by meeting that idea, they have to “become aware of [their] stereotypes, biases, and prejudices” (Turnbull et al., 2013, p. 74).
During my research for this paper there was so much I knew about special education already. In our Intro to Education class we talked about a lot with this program. As a teacher you have to have your stuff together so you don’t get the students files mixed up. You also have to know exactly what you are doing. This whole thing can be so stressful. You have to make sure the students goals are not too much. Special Education teachers are hard to find. But when you get one you keep them for a long time.
Two years ago, I embarked on a journey that would teach me more than I had ever imagined. As a recent college graduate, I was thrilled to finally begin my teaching career in a field I have always held close to my heart. My first two years as a special education teacher presented countless challenges, however, it also brought me great fulfillment and deepened my passion for teaching students with special needs. The experiences I have had both before and after this pivotal point in my life have undoubtedly influenced my desire to further my career in the field of special education.
The students in our classrooms, both special education and general education classrooms, require individualized education to reach their full potential. Each child’s potential is different just as each child’s road to reach it is different. Our job as teachers is to be there for the student’s to help them reach their potential through their own unique way.
Heward, W. L. (2013). Exceptional children: An introduction to special education (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
The medical model defines disability as “any restriction or lack of ability (resulting from an impairment of an individual) to perform an activi...
Mazurek, K. & Winzer, M.A. (Eds.). (1994). Comparative Studies in Special Education. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
What is special education? The common belief is that it a program only dedicated to helping students with disabilities, whether physical or mentally. This is not entirely accurate in regards of what special education is. While special education does provide assistance to students with disabilities ns meet their needs in quality education (Küpper 2009)—the program extends to all students facing difficulties keeping up with the pace of learning (Huerta 2009). This brings the next question onto the table: the importance of special education. Before 1970s, majority of students with disabilities were shun into isolation with little to no education in general classes (Bradley 2016). However, with the passage of Education for All Handicapped Children
During the late 1980’s and 1990’s the number of children with learning disabilities receiving special education services grew rapidly, but during 1998 and 2007 the number of children classified as having a LD has declined by 7% (Cortiella, 2009). “In 2007, 59% of students with LD spent 80% or more of their in-school time in general education classrooms. In 2000, that figure was just 40%” (Cortiella, 2009). In addition, students with disabilities are spending more time with students in traditional classroom settings. According to the Department of Education, “approximately 6 million children (roughly 10 percent of all school-aged children) receive special education services” (Pardini, 2011).
Over the last eight weeks this writer has learned a monument amount of knowledge in a short period of time. Each module and activity clearly defined each objective covered in the readings. Reflection plays a huge part in increasing one's self awareness, after having reflected on the course assignments writer is prepared to use the knowledge that they have attained. Having taken this course one feel comfortable utilizes the materials in the professional world successfully. Before taking this course many things about the laws and right guaranteed to students with disabilities were unclear. Knowledge is power and knowing has opened this writer up to understanding how a special educator a...
French, S. & Swain, J. 2008. Understanding Disability: A Guide for Health Professionals. Philadelphia: Churchilll Livingstone Elsevier: 4
Special education is an incredibly important, but often underappreciated aspect of education. There is a stigma around individuals with disabilities, that leads people to assume those in special education are less capable or smart as their peers in in a strictly traditional classroom setting. That could not be farther from the truth though, and the individuals in special education are just as capable of learning and maturing in to successful adults. As a future teacher, I was not really aware of how little I knew about special education until I enrolled in this course. This course has helped change and shape my views of special education, and helped me gain a better understanding of what exceptional children are and how I can better serve them