Beginning Reflection Assignment

When the subject of teaching a student (or entire class) with special needs arises,
what is your response? What has contributed to this thinking?
Teaching an entire class of special needs students to me would say stressful and
overwhelming. I would feel pressure to make sure that everyone succeeded. The
problem with that would be the fact that it would probably be unrealistic, especially
alone. Often times teachers have special needs students incorporated into their
everyday classroom but they also get assistance. Resource teachers come in and
work with groups effectively, according to their needs.
In todays school teachers employment walks hand in hand with his/her classroom
achievement. That pressure on the students and teachers is more than enough in a
normal mixed room, I can only imagine what it would be like with all special needs.
What do you believe is the appropriate educational environment for children with
exceptional needs? Why do you believe this?
(Extension for Middle and End only: has this remained the same or changed? If so,
how?)
Children with exceptional needs should be in treated in the same way as others.
They should be allowed in the class with other students their age but also allowed an
alternate learning environment. Having the option of an alternate learning
environment for those with exceptional needs makes it so that they are still around
their peers but also given assistance when needed. The type of assistance may vary
from person to person but can be as simple as one on one and calm down time.
Should students with exceptional needs be granted additional accommodations in
a classroom, why? (Extension for Middle and End only: How has this thinking
changed or remained the same? What has contributed to this thinking so far?)
The used of accommodations with exceptional students is very useful. Sometimes
students need to be rewarded for their behavior, which promotes more good
behavior. Some may see this as bias to the other students which is why it so
important to make sure that they are educated on their peers condition.
Are you interested in becoming a special education or gifted and talented
education teacher? Why or why not?
Much like everything else teaching special education is not for everyone. I dont
think it is something that I could do. I have a passion for teaching when you deal
with special needs you not only teach but assist, care, and guide. I have dealt with
special needs before and I felt like more of a caregiver. I dont have a passion for
anything in the health field.

Middle and End Reflection Assignment

When the subject of teaching a student (or entire class) with special needs arises,
what is your response? What has contributed to this thinking?
I think someone mentions a special education classroom I still get intimidated.
Although the course has introduced me to different types of concepts and varieties
special needs I feel there is still much to learn? Participating in service learning has
allowed me to have a little more exposure than before. I think my hesitation before
came from lack of knowledge now it seems to be more of lack of skill/practice.
What do you believe is the appropriate educational environment for children with
exceptional needs? Why do you believe this? (Extension for Middle and End only:
has this remained the same or changed? If so, how?)
I still have the belief that classroom should be blended. The chapter have spoken
a lot about inclusion. This argument has been addressed by many and boils down
to the parents preference. Reading also emphasizes how important it is for parents
to be educated on what schools offer for the learner.

Should students with exceptional needs be granted additional accommodations in

a classroom, why? (Extension for Middle and End only: How has this thinking
changed or remained the same? What has contributed to this thinking so far?)
Yes, the course has backed me on my belief even more. Students with behavior
problem should be allowed to cool down in a different area or have additional selflearning options. For example, I have witnessed a student be allowed to use a IPad
for good behavior. The other students knew that he was allowed this treatment and
had no problem.

Are you interested in becoming a special education or gifted and talented

education teacher? Why or why not?
No, I am still not interested in becoming a in becoming a special needs teacher. I
feel that if I had to do it I could only handle being temporary. I enjoy the fact that I
am more educated in the field, actually being educated on what is offered and how
they perform.
On the other hand, gifted and talented has not been a goal on of mine nor have I
had experience in the field. I would like to do some learning in those types of
classroom in order to gain a little more exposure.

Middle/End only: Citing your text or other resources presented to you in

this course, what does research say about your thinking with regards to
the above questions? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
In addition to the text I have made a goal to bookmark sites that provide
good information and support. The addresses to the sites are below:
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/

Middle/End only: Has anything changed about your thinking in regards to

the above questions? What support can you give from our text regarding
your current stance?
My views have pretty much stayed the same. The difference between this
reflection and the previous is that I have been assigned reading and
service learning. There is no better way to learn then to put yourself in
that environment.

End Reflection Assignment

When the subject of teaching a student (or entire class) with special needs arises,
what is your response? What has contributed to this thinking?
I think my hesitation before came from lack of knowledge now it seems to be
more of lack of skill/practice.
I decided to include this quote from my middle reflection because I can
remember trying to summarize my thoughts/ the difference between my beginning
responses. I believe I did well conveying what I meant. It is challenging trying to
manage a class room with inclusion let alone a full class of exceptional learners.
As I stated before skill is needed. Now when I am faced with this question I simply
think of the skills that would be most effective for someone in that position.
What do you believe is the appropriate educational environment for children with
exceptional needs? Why do you believe this? (Extension for Middle and End only:
has this remained the same or changed? If so, how?)
I still have the belief that classroom should be blended.
The above quote that I held the same belief of inclusion in my beginning and
middle post. I must say that I still feel the same now. The difference between the
first two entries was that I learned about inclusion and how often it occurs. Now I
know that not only is inclusion an option but a debate. Many feel that exceptional
learner should learn in environments with students with similar differences and
that inclusion causes stress on ordinary teachers and can serve as a distraction for
students.
I cannot say that completely disagree with the belief but also feel that it is
beneficial for students to learn and function in the traditional classrooms with the
proper accommodations.

Should students with exceptional needs be granted additional accommodations in

a classroom, why? (Extension for Middle and End only: How has this thinking
changed or remained the same? What has contributed to this thinking so far?)
I have witnessed a student be allowed to use a IPad for good behavior. The other
students knew that he was allowed this treatment and had no problem.
The above quote/example shows that accommodations for exceptional learners is
not hard and can be beneficial. I now hold true to those same beliefs and had the
opportunity of collecting more examples during my service learning opportunity.
There I witnessed students receive accommodations and lack thereof. I feel that
they could have been implemented more in this classroom but teachers lacked
resources and management skills.

Are you interested in becoming a special education or gifted and talented

education teacher? Why or why not?
.On the other hand, gifted and talented has not been a goal on of mine nor
have I had experience in the field. I would like to do some learning in those types
of classroom in order to gain a little more exposure.
The above quote was pulled from my middle response my views on being a
special education is not different I like that I was exposed to it more but still feel
that I am not fit for the position. Reverse to that position I was also asked about
the gifted and talented. I chose to include that portion of the response because I
now have a goal to include gifted and talented to my degree.
I think that those students need additional support and guidance just as
special needs do but in a different way. In addition to that different assignments
that I did for class shined light on the fact that a lot of times the gifted and
talented are looked over.

Middle/End only: Citing your text or other resources presented to you in

this course, what does research say about your thinking with regards to
the above questions? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/
https://www.teachervision.com/special-education/teacherresources/6640.html

Middle/End only: Has anything changed about your thinking in regards to

the above questions? What support can you give from our text regarding
your current stance?
My views have pretty much stayed the same. The difference between
this reflection and the previous is that I have been assigned reading and
service learning. There is no better way to learn then to put yourself in
that environment.
I still think along these lines and have finished my Service learning since I
last reflected. I feel that the opportunity was something that I will look
back on not only for this class but my teching career in general.