Rebecca Lopez

SPED 854
Interview
I was very excited to complete this assignment because I really enjoy getting to know the
families of the children that I work with! I knew right away which parent I was going to
interview. This parent came in to meet me the day before school started in July. Her name is
Ronna. She expressed how overwhelming her life was, having 3 children under 5. Raymond
(the child in my class) has an IEP. He receives speech, resource and OT services. She has a
younger son named Anthony who has Autism. She has a 10 month old named Matthew. I was
happy to meet her, and excited to work with Raymond! After the first day of school was over, I
went to Wal-Mart to pick up groceries. While in the check-out line, both of my girls were crying
hysterically one because she wanted candy and the other because her second nap was overdue.
I was exhausted from my day with 32 five year olds and now my own crying children and I
looked up at my cashier. It was Ronna! We both smiled and laughed. Since then, we have had a
connection, so I knew she was the parent I wanted to interview.
When I asked her about visiting her, at first she was apprehensive. She told me she didnt think
it was possible, because adult conversations are too difficult to have with three young boys. I
reminded her of every time I see her at Wal-Mart, and how I understand how she may be feeling,
but we should try it and see what happens. She agreed.
The questions I planned on asking her were the 5 that were posted online.
1. What are some challenges youve had while interacting with educational personnel?
2. What are some successes youve had while interacting with educational personnel?

3. What advice do you have for school staff about improving the special education
collaboration process?
4. What questions do you have about special education services?
5. What supports do you need or wish you had?
Of course, during the actual interview, there were many times where conversation strayed from
these original 5 questions, but I was able to gain great insight from the interview!
Ronna talked about how the IEP process, and IEP document itself, is very difficult for parents to
understand. She said a LOT of information and reports are discussed, and it is overwhelming.
She talked about finding a simpler way to explain information. She talked about timing, and
how challenging it is to actually find a time that works for everyone involved to discuss her
childs needs and progress. During this part of the discussion, Ronna talked about how the Class
Dojo app that I used is really helping her, because it allows her to check in with Raymond
throughout the day. She said she was really grateful that I use that app for my behavior
management.
Once we started talking about things she was grateful for, she continued on by mentioning her
gratefulness towards the school saying the staff makes me feel as if my children are not a part of
the special education stigma. They make me feel normal, if there is such a thing. I reassured
her that there is no normal, but I was glad she didnt feel uncomfortable!
When I asked her if she had any questions about special education services, I was surprised when
she immediately replied with a yes! She asked some great questions. First she asked me how
it is possible to create a curriculum that will benefit each child, when each child is so different.
Being a second year teacher, I responded the only way I knew how. I told her that in my class,
there is a curriculum that I follow, but the curriculum can be manipulated and adjusted to fit the

needs of the children in the class. I told her that the curriculum is not what I am teaching. I am
teaching my students, and using the curriculum to help in ways that I believe it will help. She
asked me what educators look for when placing a child in special education. Again, I had to
answer her with only what I know as a second year teacher. I told her that special education is
very complex, and in order for a child to receive services, they must be identified. This can
happen in many different ways, depending on what types of services we feel the child may need.
We talked about the differences between OT, PT, speech, resource, and ED. This was a very long
conversation, but it was an amazing feeling being able to share all of the knowledge that I didnt
really know that I had!! Finally, she asked me about the major differences between special
education classrooms and regular classrooms. I told her that special education services can
take place in the general education classroom with the special education teacher. This was a
surprise to her, because Raymond has always been pulled out of class to receive services. We
talked about how the special education teacher at our school prefers to pull 3 or 4 kiddos who are
similar levels academically, and take them into her room. She prefers this because it is quiet, and
there are less distractions. Ronna talked about how that made sense, but then we both talked
about what it might look like if Raymond received his services in the classroom with his peers.
Since the interview has ended, I have been stuck wondering about Raymond and how he receives
his services. I am curious to see what happens when students receive services in the classroom,
but the special education teacher at my site is not interested in teaching that way. What can I do
about this, if anything?