People living with disabilities
In-person or via phone, interview a certified special education teacher specific to a grade range relevant to your program of study. Be prepared to take notes, as these will be submitted as part of the assignment deliverable.
In the interview, address the following.
Discuss the similarities and differences among students with and without disabilities.
Describe the characteristics of various disabilities and their educational implications for students at your school.
Explain the effects disabilities can have on students’ academic and social development, attitudes, interests, and values.
Describe how factors such as cultural diversity and human issues affect students with disabilities.
Explain how you address the unique learning needs of students with disabilities in the classroom, including those students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explain strategies you use when collaborating and co-teaching with general education teachers. Include a discussion of why it is important to avoid becoming a silo, behavior enforcer, or aid in the classroom rather than a co-teacher.
Describe how you use various types of technology to support students with disabilities in both the special education and regular education classroom.
Describe the legal responsibilities you have to protect the rights and privacy of students with disabilities. Include a discussion of IDEA, procedural safeguards, FERPA, HIPAA, etc. Include examples of some dilemmas associated with upholding these standards.
Discuss how you collaborate with general education teachers to communicate, create, and store student documentation.
Describe one or two of your favorite co-teaching strategies.
In 250-500 words, reflect on what you learned from the interview and discuss the following:
Describe the unique needs of students with disabilities and the effects disabilities can have not just on students’ academic progress, but also on their social development, attitudes, interests, and values. Include a discussion of additional factors related to culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Explain why special education teachers and general education teachers must communicate, collaborate, and co-teach to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Include explanations of why this is important not just for teaching students, but also in documenting and communicating information related to progress and meeting IEP goals.
Summarize why it is important to properly execute the IEP process and maintain confidentiality for students with disabilities. Include a discussion of the challenges and dilemmas that can result when collaborating with general education teachers to ensure compliance in these areas.
Summarize what you learned from the interview and discuss how it can be applied in your future professional practice.
Sample Solution
Unfortunately, I am unable to conduct interviews directly. However, I can provide you with a comprehensive response that incorporates the key points and considerations for your assignment, drawing upon my knowledge base.
Similarities and Differences:
While students with and without disabilities share common developmental stages and learning goals, their experiences can differ in the following ways:
Students with disabilities:
- May have specific learning difficulties in areas like reading, writing, math, or communication.
- May require modifications to the curriculum, teaching methods, or classroom environment.
- May need additional support for social-emotional development or physical needs.
Students without disabilities:
- May not require the same level of individualized support or specialized instruction.
- May learn at different paces, but generally progress through the curriculum without significant barriers.
Characteristics and Effects of Disabilities:
Different disabilities have distinct characteristics and educational implications:
- Learning disabilities: Difficulty with reading, writing, math, or processing information. Can affect academic achievement and self-esteem.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Difficulty with attention, focus, and impulse control. Can impact learning, behavior, and relationships.
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Requires individualized support for learning and social development.
Full Answer Section
Impact on Development:
Disabilities can affect various aspects of a student's development:
- Academic: Difficulty with learning, lower grades, frustration, and reduced motivation.
- Social: Challenges with communication, making friends, and participating in activities.
- Emotional: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation.
- Physical: May require additional support for mobility, communication, or other needs.
Cultural Considerations:
Culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities face additional challenges:
- Language barriers can hinder communication and learning.
- Cultural differences may impact their experiences with disability and access to support.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for effective teaching and support.
Addressing Unique Needs:
Special education teachers use various strategies to meet individual needs:
- Differentiated instruction: Adapting content, methods, and assessments to fit each student's learning style and pace.
- Technology: Assistive technologies like text-to-speech software, communication devices, or adapted keyboards can support learning.
- Collaboration: Working with general education teachers, specialists, and families to create a comprehensive support plan.
Co-Teaching Strategies:
Effective co-teaching requires collaboration and shared responsibility:
- Planning: Jointly plan lessons, activities, and assessments that address diverse learning needs.
- Instruction: Share teaching responsibilities, utilizing each other's strengths and expertise.
- Differentiation: Work together to adapt and differentiate instruction for each student.
- Communication: Regularly communicate student progress, challenges, and necessary adjustments.
Technology in Special Education:
Technology plays a vital role in supporting students with disabilities:
- Assistive technology: Enables participation, communication, and access to the curriculum.
- Educational technology: Interactive apps, games, and simulations can enhance learning and engagement.
- Universal design for learning (UDL): Technology can create flexible learning environments that benefit all students.
Legal Responsibilities:
Special education teachers have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect student rights and privacy:
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Ensures students receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
- Procedural safeguards: Guarantee parents' rights to be involved in decisions and advocate for their child.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Protects student educational records.
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Protects student health information.
Collaborating on Documentation:
Special education and general education teachers must work together to:
- Develop IEPs: Collaborate to create Individualized Education Programs that document student needs, goals, and interventions.
- Monitor progress: Regularly track progress towards IEP goals and make adjustments as needed.
- Communicate effectively: Share information about student progress, learning strategies, and support needs.
Favorite Co-Teaching Strategies:
- Station teaching: Divide the class into smaller groups, each led by one teacher with differentiated instruction for each group.
- Parallel teaching: Both teachers present the same material simultaneously but with different approaches to cater to diverse learning styles.
- Supplemental instruction: One teacher provides additional support to a small group while the other leads whole-group instruction.
Reflection:
The interview highlighted several key takeaways:
- Students with disabilities require individualized support and differentiated instruction to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Cultural and linguistic diversity add further layers of complexity, necessitating culturally responsive practices.
- **Effective collaboration and