Week 8 Reflection

The best part about getting into your major is that all the classes you take overlap- and you can apply things from classes you took from semesters ago and apply them to the classes you are in now. When I was assigned to be the math teacher for the case study, I was reminded by one of my classmates that I could easily apply methods I learned in my Math 205 class to figuring out how to adapt the math lessons to children with special needs. We used manipulatives on a daily basis and we practiced different ways to assess a child’s knowledge about the math concept. For example we would get out the blocks and manipulatives and you would meet one on one with the child for them to demonstrate their understanding of tangible concepts.

Manipuatives are a great way to test understanding rather than a written test. In my opinion it is better for the child to understand the tangible concepts of math rather than memorizing formulas and answers. It is better for them to apply their knowledge to real life situations.

I also enjoyed learning about the difference technology can make on a child’s learning. Technology when used properly can enhance a child’s learning and desire for understanding. Technology gives a great opportunity for teachers to all the children to go at their own pace. My littlest sister is in second grade, and even though she is not an IEP she could be based on how much time she needs to complete a task. She understands the concepts and gets all the questions right on the test—the ones that she finishes. But she is never able to finish her tests in class because she takes her time. Technology used for homework and assignments in class will enhance the teachers ability to meet one on one with the students without taking away from her class or class time.  

Another concept I believe strongly in is the Evidence Based practice, that teachers need to realize that the students are coming into your class with oodles of knowledge and experience with a wide variety of things. Teachers who apply what they know the students learn saves time and it enhances their ability to apply their previous knowledge to new knowledge.

Reflection 7

Shaelie Wood

Brother Kennedy

Sped Reflection Week 7

            This week our group researched hearing impairments and ways teachers can get involved in helping these students. Students are falling behind in schools on no part of their own, but that they cant hear or pay attention in class. Audio Enhancement can be speakers, and microphones. Microphones can be worn born teachers that they are still able to teach hands free. Not only does it apply to teachers, but students are also able to participate and share with their peers their ideas and insights. I remember I was in a class in third grade with a little boy who had to wear hearing aides, they starting implementing the microphones. Not only did it help this boy learn, but the whole class excelled because the teachers instruction was heard better and more students paid attention. By the time I was in 6th grade, every teacher had a microphone with audio speakers in their classrooms for the students- regardless of hearing difficulties within the class. We must not discriminate against children with hearing difficulties. As we implement audio enhancements, students excel.
​            The case study on Esther changed my perspective on how schools do assessments. In short, the case study was about a little girl who was adopted from Mexico, she was brought to the United States and put in public education. Because of her lack of education, she was unable to read at age 7 and a half. After the district and teachers assessing her, they labeled her as mentally impaired because she was not able to read or speak in either Spanish or English. Her life skills were right on par but her language skills fell far behind peers her age.

            I can’t imagine having my child being labeled as mentally impaired when they have not yet had the opportunity to learn, Esther showed her ability and capability to learn and be taught, yet this decision made by the MDT showed their inability to recognize her abilities and strengths in other areas of her life. This decision almost appeared to me as a cope out for the general education teachers to “get rid” of the burden of having a student far behind the normal.

            As teachers it is a necessity to compare students to peers to find the norm of development and learning, but in this case we need to go beyond and recognize the causes of Esther’s difficulties. She needed other accommodations rather than being sent straight to the special needs program. I thought of other ways the teachers and district could help her. They could hold Esther back to a lower grade, as well as intervention sessions one on one at home to get Esther back on track. Esther will be behind the other children, but as teachers we need to look at the big picture rather than looking for quick fixes and escapes. If Esther were to be labeled as mentally impaired along with other students who are impaired  she may develop and adapt to other behavioral or social difficulties even though she is high in both those areas.

           

            

Reflection 6

The biggest concept that I learned this week was the difference between collaboration and consolation. Consolation is when you have two professionals bouncing ideas off of one another in order to find a solution, where as collaboration- there usually is different qualifications and experiences that influence ones opinions or problem solving skills, but they are not professionals. Both are needed. Collaboration helps to have different perspectives and opinions, especially from other specialists, family members, or other people involved in the Child’s life.

Something that links to consolation and collaboration is something called co-teaching.

Co teachers share ideas and materials to enhance the learning environment of the students. In m second grade class I had 2 co teachers, one taught in the mornings and one taught after lunch. The first block teacher was names Mrs. Smith. She had a young family and was very enthusiastic and fun. She was kind and everyone loved her. The second block teacher was much older, she was close to retirement and was not nearly as enthusiastic as Mrs. Jones, yet we still adored her and she was very kind. Even though there were two teachers- they worked in unity so well. Their discipline plans and structure of the classroom was identical so we all knew exactly what was expected of us and how the classroom ran. From my perspective the classroom ran so smooth because of the communication even though the two teachers didn’t have much time to communicate when they “passed the baton”.

When co-teaching, it can involve side by side, taking turns, or station teaching. The most important thing about co teaching is the communication and organization so both teachers are equal. The students need to view the teachers and respect both of them equally.

In my future classroom I want to receive support from other teachers, in the education setting, it is encouraged to borrow and steal ideas from other teachers if it is working. I want to collaborate with other teachers in order to receive the best advice and support in knowing how to accommodate and change.

Week 5 Reflection.

The assignment that had the biggest impact on me was the Case Study, as I was acting as the "Attorney for the Family", is was easy to put myself in the families shoes, I feel that because there are so many laws that protect families and give them resources, the families will usually always win over the school district. Even in the Least Restrictive Environment students can benefit from being in a classroom with their peers, so they are stretched, challenged, and met half way. I appreciate all those that are advocates for children with disabilities, now understanding where the law was in the past and where it is today it gives me confidence that we can always do more for the fmaily to accommodate them. It gives me courage to also be an advocate. I feel that the more I know about the history of special education, the stronger my voice becomes when speaking out for them. 

Learning about the High Incidence Disabilities was interesting to me, these are disabilities that are :hard to distinguish from other peers, behavioral/emotional/social/academic issues, they benefit from structure intervention. There is always something simple we can do in our classrooms to help them strengthen their social skills, academic skills, and behavioral skills. We can influence them by structuring our lessons around opportunities to do group work. They are able to practice interaction and working with their peers. To help with behavior we can set goals with them. We can recognize their strengths and praise them. It also helps to give students responsibilities within the classroom. The simple task of helping increases their confidence and ability to see strengths within themselves. When they feel apart of a community there is motivation, and the satisfaction of success, especially around their peers.I feel that in any situation we should take opportunities to give specific responsibilities and jobs to the children with special needs.