Variety of strategies to address challenges to family involvement
A. Chapter 6 discussed a variety of strategies to address challenges to family involvement. Consider your current school setting and answer the following:
• Which of these strategies are being implemented effectively by your colleagues and administration.
• What is one challenge to family involvement that is not being addressed in your current school setting and what strategy would you recommend to address it.
B. In Chapter 12, you read about the inevitable conflict that occurs in special education, what is your greatest concern or key takeaway about conflict in the special education process?
gain insights into the role and responsibilities of a Special Education Administrator. In this assignment, you will conduct an interview with a Special Education Administrator to explore their professional background, experiences, challenges, and strategies in working with students with special needs. This interview will provide you with a deeper understanding of the field and its impact on the education system.
Tasks
1. Identify a Special Education Administrator who is willing to participate in the interview.
2. Conducting the Interview.
• Schedule a suitable time for the interview with the Special Education Administrator.
• Begin the interview by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the interview.
• Ask the prepared questions and encourage the administrator to provide detailed responses.
• Take notes during the interview or record the interview with permission to capture important points and key insights.
3. Interview Questions:
A. What is the most challenging part your role and why?
B. What is the most rewarding part your role?
C. What advice would you give on supervision of special education staff?
D. What advice would you give on supporting inclusion?
E. What advice would you give on supporting students with disabilities and implementing evidence-based practices?
F. What advice would you give to a first-year “general education” administrator?
G. What do you believe is the role of the building principal in special education?
H. What characteristics do you believe make aspiring administrators successful in creating inclusive environments and ensuring outcomes for all students?
Sample Solution
Special Education Administrator Interview Guide
This guide provides a framework for conducting an interview with a Special Education Administrator. It includes tips for scheduling, introducing yourself, and asking insightful questions to gain valuable insights into the role and responsibilities of a Special Education Administrator.
Preparation
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Identify the Interviewee: Reach out to your school district or a local school and inquire about interviewing a Special Education Administrator. Explain your purpose as a student aiming to learn more about the field
Full Answer Section
- Scheduling: Once you identify a willing participant, schedule a convenient time for the interview. Be respectful of their busy schedule and offer flexibility.
- Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and thanking the administrator for their time. Briefly explain the purpose of the interview, which is to gain insights into the role and responsibilities of a Special Education Administrator.
- Open the Conversation: Start with a general question to ease into the interview, such as: "Can you tell me a little about your background and career path that led you to become a Special Education Administrator?"
- Prepared Questions: Use the following list as a guide, but feel free to ask additional questions based on the interviewee's responses:
- A. What is the most challenging part of your role, and why?
- B. What is the most rewarding part of your role?
- C. What advice would you give on supervising special education staff?
- D. What advice would you give on supporting inclusion?
- E. What advice would you give on supporting students with disabilities and implementing evidence-based practices?
- F. What advice would you give to a first-year "general education" administrator?
- G. What do you believe is the role of the building principal in special education?
- H. What characteristics do you believe make aspiring administrators successful in creating inclusive environments and ensuring outcomes for all students?
- Active Listening: Pay close attention to the administrator's responses, ask follow-up questions for clarification, and show genuine interest in their experiences.
- Recording: If permitted, record the interview with a voice recorder to capture the details of the conversation for later review. However, always obtain the administrator's consent before recording.
- Dress professionally for the interview.
- Maintain good eye contact and positive body language.
- Be respectful and professional throughout the interview.
- Take notes during the interview, or use the recording if permitted.
- After the interview, follow up with a thank-you email to the administrator.