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Philosophy of teaching students with special needs
Philosophy of teaching students with special needs
History Of Special Education In The World
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There are many individuals who contribute to the education of the student with special needs. Their roles and responsibilities are varied, and each play an important part in the education of the student with disabilities. In the early years of special education, individuals with disabilities were not educated in the traditional classroom. Many of the students were left at home to be taught by their parents, or, sent away to institutions if the families were unable to care for them. In addition, some were education in private schools at the cost of the families. It was not until the 1970’s that special education became acceptable in the public schools. The passing of legislation made it possible for all students to have a right to a free and public education, regardless of their disabilities. The individual with disabilities education act (IDEA) opened the door to education for all students and therefore a change in special education. Roles and Responsibilities Within Special Education Traditionally, special education consisted of a special education teacher and the student. Over the years, …show more content…
Diversity includes not only the student’s abilities, but also their learning styles and cultural backgrounds. In addition, the teacher’s educational philosophy, which is comprised of their own values, beliefs, cultural and socioeconomic background, are factors in how the diversity of the classroom is perceived and addressed. Research by Khan, Lindstrom, & Murray, stated that, “teachers’ beliefs about diversity and their varying levels of cultural competence can positively or negatively influence their ability to effectively work with culturally diverse students” (2014, p.55). When educators are aware of these differences, they are able to appropriately plan, modify and conduct meaningful
Richards, H., V., Brown, A., F., Forde, T., B. (2006). Addressing diversity in schools: culturally responsive pedagogy. Retreived March 30th 2014from http://www.nccrest.org/Briefs/Diversity_Brief.pdf
In classrooms across America, teachers must provide instruction that is culturally, linguistically appropriate as well as based on core standards. Special education gives children instruction based upon their unique needs based on a documented disability. Student disabilities often involve mental, physical, emotional and behavioral issues that makes instruction a challenge. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) "governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities." (Building the legacy: IDEA 2004) This law provides guidelines for the educational system to identify, assess and implement education to meet the learning requirements of students with disabilities such as autism, emotional, mental retardation or physical disability. It is important to note that not every child with a disability requires special education - learning must be adversely affected and have one of the categories of special education to quality for services." (Building the legacy: IDEA 2004)
Specifically, those teachers who are culturally competent value diversity in the classroom, but not limited to acknowledging and being knowledgeable of the student’s culture, background, and behavior. This, along with prior life experience, makes learning more appropriate and effective for the student body. As teachers, we can demonstrate culturally responsive teaching by communicating our expectations to all, developing a culturally responsive lessons, and student-centered instruction (NEA,
Within the past decades and a big discussion has occurred regarding the most appropriate setting within which to provide education for students in special education. Although the change in the educational environment is significant for handicapped student the concepts of inclusion also bring up new issues for the regular education classroom teachers.
In 2004 the federal government reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or (IDEA), which was originally established in 1975. Under the legislation, all students, including those with mental, physical and emotional disabilities, are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (“Education Commission of the States”, 2013). Since the implementation of the act many issues have arisen concerning special education programs in America’s public schools. One of the most important issues in special education is segregation. Segregation is the separation of individuals or groups of children (Reynolds, 1962). Many people argue that it is best for students with disabilities, special needs, and/or disadvantages to be taught in separate environments than “regular” or “gifted” students, while some say that the separation is holding these children back.
Before 1975 people with disabilities were either institutionalized or hidden at home. The education system would not allow or accommodate for these people. This was a huge problem that needed a fair resolution. In 1975 that resolution came when congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Under this law all children including children with disabilities were entitled to a free, appropriate public education. This law also entitles all children with disabilities access to the general education curriculum. IDEA serves children and young adults with disabilities between the ages of 3-21 and accommodates them through education system (Mastropieri and Scruggs 2014).
Students with disabilities have educational rights under a special law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which mandates that students with disabilities have a free and appropriate education (Curry School of Education, n/d). The law requires that special needs students should also be placed in the least restrictive environment (LRE) suitable for their needs(Curry School of Education, n/d). The LRE for some students is often the g...
Diversity has become a critical part of the philosophy I have developed as an aspiring educator. Through various experiences in my life, I can appreciate how different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds can positively impact the educational experience of each student. Diversity in my opinion incorporates poverty, race, and equality for the ultimate goal of long term success in a student’s life.
Not many people who are not already involved with special education understand what exactly a student in a special education program does. Most people assume special education is for only the worst cases, such as autism or Down syndrome or that the students are completely different from any other student. However, this assumption is not the case. These assumptions only show some of the stigma against special education. Special education is the term used to “describe specially designed instruction that meets the unique needs of a child who has a disability,” (Hancock). As predetermined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), one qualifies for special education if they meet one or more of the thirteen disabilities included in the act. These disabilities include, but are not limited to, autism, hearing impairment, specific learning disability, visual impairment, and emotional disturbance. The IDEA act requires the public schools to provide a “free appropriate education”, or FAPE, to those who qualify. An example of a free appropriate program is “modifications in the educational program, such as curriculum and teaching methods,” (Hancock).
Special education falls under the broad category of exceptional learners. Exceptional learners range from students reading years behind grade level, to students reading years ahead. Within this broad spectrum, special education students are defined as individuals with special needs in a way that address the students' individual differences and needs. Through the use of inclusion classes, mainstreaming, and individualized education plans, the needs of each individual student are met.
Diversity in classrooms can open student’s minds to all the world has to offer. At times diversity and understanding of culture, deviant experiences and perspectives can be difficult to fulfill, but with appropriate strategies and resources, it can lead students to gain a high level of respect for those unlike them, preferably from a judgmental and prejudiced view. Diversity has a broad range of spectrums. Students from all across the continent; students from political refugees, indigenous Americans, and immigrants bring their cultural and linguistic skills to American classrooms. Students not only bring their cultural and linguistic skills, but they bring their ethnicity, talents, and skills.
Diversity is becoming an increasingly important part of American culture, especially in schools. Not only are more ethnicities and nationalities represented in the schools, the definition of diversity itself is being expanded. The word diversity does not simply just mean race anymore. Now, diversity includes a wide range of classifications- race, culture, socioeconomic status, academic and social capability, and gender orientation. A teacher who is entering into the school system now must be prepared to handle all of these classifications in an appropriate and Christ like way.
Special Education is becoming more of a concern with each passing day. There are more and more problems with teaching children with special needs as well as there are problems with diagnosing them. In the first half of the 20th century it started to become increasingly popular in the United States. (Ferguson 148). It is a tedious and time consuming task but it can be very rewarding to see the child progress of time and advance their learning skills.
Special education can be defined form so many perspectives, but the general one is the services provided from the society to others, especially kids with different abilities.
Special Education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students’ individual differences and needs. And it is a specially designed instruction that meets the needs of students with disabilities as they attend to school, it also includes related services and supplementary aids and services. It helps every student with disabilities to have a chance to learn and showcase their own talent and intelligence. Without these students, Special Education wouldn’t be an organization or community who are willing to help these students with disabilities to learn and to attain their needs.