...Running head: EDUCATING SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS Educating Special Needs Students March 12, 2012 Educating Special Needs Students Most people have seen or heard about child or adults with disabilities, some may even have come in contact or have a person like this in their family. No matter what the case may be disabilities have been around for generations and are just now getting the recognition and help it really deserves. So, what are some disabilities and how do some child have them and some do not. So let’s take a look at a few definitions of some disabilities and their causes and then most importantly what the education system is doing to help them cope and learn to live in today’s society with skills and knowledge that they have strengths in doing. Autism- “a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns as is defined by Webster dictionary. The word autism was first used in 1943:”. (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated , 2012) From the medical association it is defined as: Autism is known as a complex developmental disability. “Experts believe that Autism presents itself during the first three years of a person's life. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person's communication...
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...Educating Special Needs Students Educating Special Needs Students Successful teaching, in general, calls for creativity, patience, flexibility, patience, expertise and a lot of patience. Successful teaching of special needs students magnifies the importance of these traits even more so. Mental retardation, autism, severe and even multiple disabilities, while posing additional impact and challenges on the education process for students, these issues are in no way insurmountable. Well thought out curriculum plans implemented through special policy, services, and programs are necessary to ensure that any student has every opportunity available to them for a successful education experience that will carry through beyond their student years. Mental retardation is descriptive of a disability that includes both intellectual as well as behavioral problems and until recently, was often used as a blanket statement to cover a wide variety, if not all, disabilities. In 2006, The American Association on Mental Retardation changed its name to The American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAID, 2009) to reflect a change in this attitude. They state that “intellectual disability is one that is characterized by significant limits both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills (AAID, 2009). While a number of the causes of intellectual disabilities are still...
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...Running Head: Educating Special Needs Students Educating Special Needs Students Necandra L. Thompson SPE 525 Professor Tricia D. Troiano Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to define and identify the causes of mental retardation, autism and severe disabilities. In addition, it will discuss the areas of the curriculum which is necessary for students with these severe disabilities. Mental Retardation is defined, when a person has a certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of themselves and social skills. The cause of mental retardation according to doctors is genetic conditions, in which this is caused by abnormal genes inherited from parents. Some examples of this are genetic conditions of Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome and phenlketonuria (PKU). Mental retardation is not a type of mental illness, there is no cure for it (The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NDCCD), 2004). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines mental retardation as, “significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, which adversely affects a child's educational performance (2004)”. NDCCD identifies mental retardation as “a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills....
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...History of Special Education Cherri Eurich Grand Canyon University: SPE-526 11/7/12 Abstract Understanding the history of special education is necessary to grasp its value today. After the 1970’s it was decided there was a growing need for reform when it came to educating children with disabilities. Over the years there have been many pieces of legislation introduced to aid in improving our nation’s special education program. Perhaps one of the most important, being the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As early as 1970, people began to recognize the need for educational legislation on behalf of students with disabilities. Before that time schools were allowed to discriminate and segregate as well as deny education to certain students. Since Brown vs. the Board of Education educational legislation has been vital to developing the best special education programs. What is Special Education? Special education is designed to give opportunities and teaching to students with disabilities that affect their life and learning (Heward, 2009). Special education provides a curriculum that is specialized and individually intensive. The lessons are intensive and goal directed for each student. Special education teachers work in conjunction with general education teachers to provide adequate lessons. In many instances, special curriculum, along with unique materials is used to aid in educating the students (Heward, 2009)...
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...districts regarding students with disabilities. Although the federal government provides some funding for these mandated services, McCann (2014) noted that state and local taxpayers cover the remaining cost to educate students with disabilities. McCann (2014) explained that communities and local districts must provide a free and appropriate public education...
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...we have biased influences and labels we use to describe someone “different.” This is why educating society on the “exceptional” individuals in our society is crucial. As we all know, we do not live in an entirely compassionate society, therefore, educating communities, schools and society on people with disabilities is key. Knowledge is power! We need to better understand ourselves, so that we can better understand others. Sonyboy Fugaban states: There is a rhythm in life, a certain beauty which operates by a variation of lights and shadows, happiness alternating with sorrow, content with discontent, distilling in this process of contrast a sense of satisfaction, of richness that can be captured and pinned down only by those who possess the gift of awareness (Fugaban, 2011). We are all imperfect in an imperfect world. God creates us equal, no matter what disability or challenges we face. Everyone deserves the chance for a fair education and proper treatment. The term “special needs” may stir up many different emotions in people. Fear is a common response to these two words. With proper education, fear can be replaced with empathy and understanding. There are many social implications of attitude, legislation and litigation on the lives of students with disabilities. Everyone has many different views and emotions on the topic. Thinking has changed regarding the understanding of students with disabilities. Society...
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...Running head: Teaching students with EBD Challenges of Teaching Students with EBD Anissa R. Dillard Grand Canyon University SPE558 February 1, 2011 When it comes to teaching students with Emotional and behavior disorders the first thing that comes to mind is the saying “it takes a village”. Educating students with EBD is a challenging feat that requires the cooperation of a host of individuals beginning with parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, school counselors, and in some cases social workers and medical professionals. In the academic world these group of individuals in a called a SPED team. This team works together to strategize and implement proper intervention techniques to help the EBD student overcome the academic and social issues that can be a result of the underlying disorder. Challenges The first major challenge of educating students with EBD is defining exactly what EBD is. According to IDEA, emotional and behavior disorders: EBD is a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree, which adversely affects educational performance: An inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression. A tendency...
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...based on the F.A.T video presented by Richard D. Lavoie. In his video he talks how we can approach in different ways special education students, and how we need to have a new mindset of what is really Special Education and how we can help our students reach their potential. Frustration, Anxiety and Attention This video is a life changing experience, everything that Richard Lavoie talked is very challenging and it makes you think in the students that struggled every day with a learning disabilities. Richard Lavoie express in the video “I know how you feel” in a situation he had with a student, but do we really know how they feel? Do we really know what they are going through? We do not know, we actually don’t even understand what it means to struggle with a learning disability, because we don’t have one therefore is very difficult to share the difficulty of the problem or disability....
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...Texas Undocumented Students And Education Policy EDU 365 Politics of American Education September 3, 2012 The society group of undocumented immigrant students has impacted education policy in many ways over the last ten years, especially the Border States that are so highly affected such as; California, Arizona, and Texas. In this paper I will focus on Texas and how these policies including the rights of the students, funding issues, and language barriers have impacted the way in which these school districts have had to change the policies set forth to ensure every child receives a quality public education. In Texas, prior to 1982 the law did not allow school districts to use state funds to educate undocumented immigrant children; districts were even allowed to deny enrollment to these children. (Combs, Susan, 2006) However, in the case of Plyler v. Doe in 1982 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Texas law was in violation of the equal protection provision of the 14th Amendment. (Combs, Susan, 2006) As a result of this and many other court cases, states can no longer deny access to public education to undocumented students nor can they attempt to identify undocumented children for fear of discrimination. (Combs, Susan, 2006) The Texas Education Agency reported that the average state and local expenditure per student in 2004-05 was $7,085, noting this does not include federal funds. (Combs, Susan, 2006) Although the actual number of undocumented immigrant...
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...Introduction Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one of the leading causes of birth defects in the United States. Moreover, FAS appears to be the most common cause of preventable mental retardation. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.) Each year between 5,000 and 12,000 American babies are born with the condition. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.)Thus, each year roughly 5,000 to 12,000 American children are entering into the educational system. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.) Therefore, our nations public schools should be both properly funded and prepared in the classroom to educate children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.) Overview of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a collection of symptoms that when appearing together indicate the specific FAS condition. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.), see also (Wilkemeyer, Menkari, Spong & Charness, 2002) FAS is caused when by a woman's ingestion of any type pf alcohol during pregnancy. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.), see also (Wilkemeyer, Menkari, Spong & Charness, 2002) The alcohol travels through the pregnant woman's bloodstream and through the placenta to the unborn fetus. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.), see also (Wilkemeyer, Menkari, Spong & Charness, 2002) In other word's, the developing baby is also processing and metabolizing the alcohol that has passed to it from the pregnant mother. (“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”, n.d.), see also (Wilkemeyer, Menkari, Spong & Charness, 2002) Once...
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...History of Special Education Alisha Anderson Grand Canyon University: SPE-526 June 26, 2013 Abstract Special education will continue to be transformed in a number of different ways throughout the years to come. Special Education provide different services, support systems, and resources to help meet the needs of students that have disabilities and gifted students. The history of special education have covered many issues throughout the years. There have been many laws and regulations created to help protect individuals with disabilities. This paper will report on the past history of special education, the laws associated with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and how the current and future challenges of special education affect the laws. What is Special Education? Special Education was created to teach students with disabilities at no cost to the parents. Special Education in the past involved schools that did not support or recognize students with disabilities. Today Special Education have progressed to provide services to all students no matter what their disabilities are. Special Education is a program that establish guidelines and expectations that teachers, parents, and students follow, in order for the student to receive the proper help they need (Heward, 2009). Disabilities could be labeled as physical, mental, emotional, or gifted. Special Education are services that are put in place after an evaluation process of the student. The services...
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...educational approach of inclusion as a means to address the needs of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In observing students who are a part of the inclusive environment, it is evident that they benefit from social encounters however, in observing their academic progress, in such areas as analysis and critical thinking; it becomes clear that it is important to reevaluate the total inclusion experience. In understanding inclusion, one must become familiar with its definition. Inclusion is an educational approach whereby special need children are integrated with nondisabled children in the general education setting. In recent educational development and over the past 20 year’s inclusion as an exclusive tool for disseminating education has been called into question. As teachers face countless challenges in providing instruction to children diagnosed with autism, so do these children find it difficult to learn, to process and retain the information? In my professional experience and interactions with educators, it has been concluded that considerable work is needed in regards to reaching these students cognitively in the inclusive environment. As an experienced and veteran teacher working with special needs children, this inclusion approach has led me to rethink the way it has been defined and the way it has been employed in the general education setting. This widely used and accepted approach to educating children with disabilities, especially those children on...
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...education possible to all of the students in the classroom regardless of their race, sexuality, backgrounds and needs. As a second grade teacher in a multicultural classroom teaching second-graders it is important that I offer education to my students about diversity, social justice, and equality. “Diversity, equality, and social justice are the foundation for education that is multicultural” (Johnson, Musial, Halle, Gollnick, & Dupuis, 2005). Educating myself, as a teacher must be the first thing that I do, many teachers have limited experience and knowledge about other ethnic and religious groups other than their own. As a teacher of a multicultural classroom for Happy Valley Elementary School, I have 21 students to teach, 7 are white, 5 are Latino, 4 are African American, 3 are Native American and 2 are Asian. This is great because it will allow all of the students to participate with each other and learn from each other. Due to my classroom, have 4 students with special needs and one in a wheelchair I will make activities that accommodate them as well, so that all the children can participate and not one student feeling left out. “Education that is multicultural provides equity in the curriculum, in relationships between teachers and students, in the school climate, in staffing patterns, and in relationships with parents and communities” (Johnson, Musial, Halle, Gollnick, & Dupuis, 2005). Teaching diversity in the classroom will allow the students to learn to value and respect...
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...Proposal to Conduct Research on Factors influencing Primary School Teachers’ Attitudes toward Inclusive Education in the Cayo District. Student Karen Cruz University of Belize Submitted to: Dr. Somanadevi Thiagarajan Lecturer, Research Methods University of Belize July 23rd 2014 Contents 1.Introduction 3 2.Statement of the problem &sub-problems ………………………………………………………………………………………….5 3. Hypothesis and Questions Hypothesis and /or Questions……………………………………………………………………7 4 Delimitations………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 5 Definition of terms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 6. Importance of the study…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 7. Literature Review .................................................................................................................................12 8. Methodology 16 9. Timeframe 18 10. Bibliography 19 Introduction For many teachers, students entering general education classrooms are just more difficult to deal with due to the many complex issues that they bring from different aspects of their lives. Teaching children who come to school hungry, stressed out, angry and sleepy interferes with the transfer of learning, even more, if the issues are compounded by other challenges such as language, speech, brain and other disorders...
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...SPE-226 Educating the Exceptional Learner Benchmark Assignment: Teaching for Exceptionalities Braydon Smith Grand Canyon University: SPE226 15 November 2013 Abstract This paper reflects on the teacher candidate’s observations of the student “Junior” and the various accommodations that were made for him in various classroom settings. It also discusses different accommodations that could be made in general education classes and special education classes. The paper discusses the need for high school students to be self-advocating or self-determining and learning to make decisions on his or her own. SPE-226 Educating the Exceptional Learner Benchmark Assignment: Teaching for Exceptionalities Students with exceptionalities are a breed all their own. Each student has individual strengths, weaknesses, and individualized education programs/plans (IEPs) tailored to those needs. There are many resources, accommodations, and settings for these students to help ensure their academic success. One particular student, herein called “Junior,” is a mixed bag of interesting. Junior’s cognitive abilities are on par with his classmates. However, he needs help with reading, writing, and other social and behavioral skills. He likes to engage in discussion, enjoys music, and is diligent in his work. Observing him, his teachers, and other various special education classrooms has given valuable information to increase my teaching strategies. Inclusive Math Class Junior’s first period class...
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