Suzanne Frost

Patrick A. Leytham
EDU 203
7 February, 2014
Philosophy of Special Education Part II

Theoretical Framework
What educational philosophy dictates your current beliefs about special education? Why do you
subscribe to that educational philosophy? How have the knowledge you have acquired in this
course and your experiences from the community engaged learning shaped the way you view the
education of individuals with exceptionalities?
The educational philosophy that dictates my current belief about special education is that every
student is unique and needs to be treated as such. Each students educational experience will be
different and it is imperative for the teacher to understand each students individuals goals and
needs. Special education teachers do not have a 40 hour week job. It is really a life style that
requires compassion and understanding of not only the students needs but the needs of the entire
family. It is important to understand the diversity of cultures, emotional reactions of the family
and have an extensive knowledge base of the different types of disabilities and their
characteristics. After learning about the many types of disabilities and working with students in
the classroom, I have learned that no two students educational paths will be exactly the same.
My experiences have shaped the way I view the education of individual with exceptionalities by
showing me what an enormous spectrum of differences there will be. I have learned the
importance of interdisciplinary teams working together to ensure the student is receiving the best
possible education in the right setting.

Practice
How has federal law shaped the way in which the field of special education services students
with exceptionalities? With what type of disability would you prefer to work? What
characteristics of this disability are important to know when working with individuals? Who is
an important figure within this disability field and how did s/he make an impact?

The laws over the years have made tremendous gains in shaping the education of students with
disabilities! Its hard to believe that within my parents lifetime a child with Down syndrome
would have been cast aside and institutionalized. Federal laws now mandate the free appropriate
public education for students with disabilities and help them to transition into adults in the
community.
I think I would like to work either with young children, anywhere from kindergarten to 2nd
grade or High School students, within the self-contained classroom. The students I am most
interested in working with are children with Down syndrome. One of the important
characteristics to know about Down syndrome would be (in general) is that they can be very
stubborn. It can be difficult to get them to do their work if they do not want to. Knowing their
likes and interests can be used as a positive reinforcement; such as using play/rest time for
rewards, sticker boards, prizes or even treats to promote positive behavior. However, it is also
important to teach these students that it is important to get their work done and there can be
consequences to them not doing what is asked of them. A loss of a privilege, or a time out may
work in this case.
The important figure within the disability field that first comes to mind is physician Jean-Marc
Gaspar Itard. By proving that individuals that were once considered hopeless were able to learn
he paved the way for the future of special education. It has been a long road since his work 200
years ago but the father of special education led us in the right direction.

Evidence-Based Practices and Strategies

In what specific area would you like to focus your studies? Reading, Math, Science,
Communication, Daily Living, etc.? What types of strategies would you use to teach an
individual with the disability selected above? How will you monitor progress? What types of
goals/benchmarks would be appropriate for such an individual?
I am interested in focusing on teaching Daily Living Skills. I have been thinking about working
with High School Students, assisting with transitioning into adults living and working in the
community. I would love to take my class on outings into the community. I would like to work
with them on shopping, using transportation, and assist in learning about social and civic
awareness. I think it would be awesome to have them job shadow and experience working at
places that interest them. I would monitor progress by setting goals and benchmarks in their IEP
and monitoring when the goals or benchmarks have been reached. If I had students doing job
shadowing I would stay in close communication with their supervisor to ensure they are having a
positive experience and learning new skills. I think it would appropriate for such an individual to
be able to set goals such as using a phone to call parents, their employer, their transportation or
911. They should be able to count and use money. They should be able to understand safety
signs. They should understand personal space, how to behave in public and how to use public
facilities. How to interact and have an appropriate conversation with people. In the case that
they are job shadowing they should be able to perform the duties that will be asked of them. This
maybe with or with our support.

Human Diversity
Why is it important to recognize that humans are diverse? What have you learned about yourself
after taking the Multicultural Self-Report Inventory? How can you apply what you have
learned to your classroom?
I have always subscribed to the philosophy, celebrate diversity. I truly believe it takes all
kinds to make the world go round. I recognize that humans are diverse and I think its
wonderful! I think the world would be pretty boring otherwise. (Unfortunately this even
includes the people that are not so good.) I learned from taking the Multicultural Self-Report
Inventory that I am pretty open minded to human diversity, but there is always room for
improvement and to stay open to change. I also learned that there are people far more close
minded then myself. I was a little shocked by their honesty. I have been made more aware of
their presence and now I will either work toward enlighten others about the importance of
accepting others for who they are or at the very least I will be more aware of the hidden
prejudice surrounding me.
I will apply what I have learned in my classroom by being conscientious of hanging pictures or
posters depicting all types of people; different races, religions, cultures, sizes, sexes, and
differently abled. I will incorporate different languages from all over the world. Possibly
through music or video. I will have maps and teach what a vast many regions students originate
from. I will celebrate and teach students about multicultural holidays. Share international food!
Most importantly I will discuss with the students the importance of accepting people for who
they are. Teaching them not to be critical of others as we would not want to be criticized
ourselves