EDUC 631: Methods for Cross-categorical Special Education
In this course, students will study the various foundations of instruction for designated disabilities, including (a) mild to moderate mental retardation, (b) learning disabilities, (c) emotional disabilities, and (d) physical and other health impairments. Course content will include assessment, instruction, and instructional design, establishment and maintenance of case records, the use of assessment data to design goals and objectives, and information needed in the development of individualized Education Plans (IEP) and curriculum and instruction to accommodate diverse student needs.
3 credits
Instructor: Armstrong
Fall 2013
3 credits
Instructor: Armstrong
Fall 2013
philosophy_of_special_education.docx | |
File Size: | 30 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Artifact Description
The artifact that I chose for EDUC 631 Methods for Cross-categorical Special Education is my philosophy of special education paper. This paper guided me in meeting the class objective of articulating and defending a philosophy of education to guide my practice. The philosophy of special education is a summary of my core special education beliefs, including justification of each belief using professional literature. This assignment required me to reflect on my teaching practices and principles that define my role as a special education teacher.
Professional Growth
Before developing my philosophy of special education, I only had a collection of core opinions that guided my instruction. When asked what my personal philosophy was, I would speak a few statements that came from the heart. I was not solid in my views and would often change my opinions depending on the current education trends.
During this course I reflected on my beliefs and opinions of special education and researched professional literature to defend those beliefs. I articulated my views in a way that gave a full picture of my philosophy of special education.
After this assignment, I have a clear, well researched philosophy of special education. I am able to easily describe my views of special education and defend why I have those opinions. I am also now keeping up to date with current special education research and modifying my philosophy of special education as needed.
Understanding and Application of Standards
CEC Standard 2 Learning Environment: Beginning special education professionals create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners and develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination.
Standard 2, Learning Environment, was addressed in this course through the observation portion of the IEP comparison assignment. Through the observation of two students (one diagnosed with a learning disability, one diagnosed with a developmental disability) in their classrooms, I was able to learn the importance of a safe, inclusive learning environment. I observed many different strategies to make the classroom a positive place that encourages learning. I could see how the students were able to focus and engage in their education when they felt safe and included in their classroom. I am able to apply what I learned about this standard in my classroom by using some of the strategies that I observed like including more of the students' interests in their work and work area and facilitating positive interactions among the students in my class through structured conversations and cooperative learning.
CEC Standard 6 Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: Beginning special education professionals use foundational knowledge of the field and their professional Ethical Principles and Practice Standards to inform special education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.
Standard 6, Professional Learning and Ethical Practice, was applied in this course through the completion of a philosophy of special education paper. Through this paper I was able to research, articulate, and defend my beliefs about special education. Writing my philosophy of special education helped me understand and develop foundational knowledge and beliefs about special education and discover resources to continue life long learning. I recognize the need to remain current on special education topics and continually update my philosophy based on new research.
Impact on Student Learning
Because of this course, my students are receiving a research-based, quality education. Since using more research-based, individualized instruction and practices in my classroom, my students are making faster progress toward their IEP goals. For example, one of my students was not making much progress toward a sight-word reading goal. He was only able to read about 50 words. I was using a curriculum that he wasn't very interested in. After reflecting and adjusting to a modified, more individualized instructional strategy including shorter direct instruction sessions and supplemental practice with notecards and spelling, the student has met and exceeded his goal of reading 100 sight words with 80% accuracy.
The artifact that I chose for EDUC 631 Methods for Cross-categorical Special Education is my philosophy of special education paper. This paper guided me in meeting the class objective of articulating and defending a philosophy of education to guide my practice. The philosophy of special education is a summary of my core special education beliefs, including justification of each belief using professional literature. This assignment required me to reflect on my teaching practices and principles that define my role as a special education teacher.
Professional Growth
Before developing my philosophy of special education, I only had a collection of core opinions that guided my instruction. When asked what my personal philosophy was, I would speak a few statements that came from the heart. I was not solid in my views and would often change my opinions depending on the current education trends.
During this course I reflected on my beliefs and opinions of special education and researched professional literature to defend those beliefs. I articulated my views in a way that gave a full picture of my philosophy of special education.
After this assignment, I have a clear, well researched philosophy of special education. I am able to easily describe my views of special education and defend why I have those opinions. I am also now keeping up to date with current special education research and modifying my philosophy of special education as needed.
Understanding and Application of Standards
CEC Standard 2 Learning Environment: Beginning special education professionals create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners and develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination.
Standard 2, Learning Environment, was addressed in this course through the observation portion of the IEP comparison assignment. Through the observation of two students (one diagnosed with a learning disability, one diagnosed with a developmental disability) in their classrooms, I was able to learn the importance of a safe, inclusive learning environment. I observed many different strategies to make the classroom a positive place that encourages learning. I could see how the students were able to focus and engage in their education when they felt safe and included in their classroom. I am able to apply what I learned about this standard in my classroom by using some of the strategies that I observed like including more of the students' interests in their work and work area and facilitating positive interactions among the students in my class through structured conversations and cooperative learning.
CEC Standard 6 Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: Beginning special education professionals use foundational knowledge of the field and their professional Ethical Principles and Practice Standards to inform special education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.
Standard 6, Professional Learning and Ethical Practice, was applied in this course through the completion of a philosophy of special education paper. Through this paper I was able to research, articulate, and defend my beliefs about special education. Writing my philosophy of special education helped me understand and develop foundational knowledge and beliefs about special education and discover resources to continue life long learning. I recognize the need to remain current on special education topics and continually update my philosophy based on new research.
Impact on Student Learning
Because of this course, my students are receiving a research-based, quality education. Since using more research-based, individualized instruction and practices in my classroom, my students are making faster progress toward their IEP goals. For example, one of my students was not making much progress toward a sight-word reading goal. He was only able to read about 50 words. I was using a curriculum that he wasn't very interested in. After reflecting and adjusting to a modified, more individualized instructional strategy including shorter direct instruction sessions and supplemental practice with notecards and spelling, the student has met and exceeded his goal of reading 100 sight words with 80% accuracy.