What You Should Know About Teaching Special Education
Special Education for me is a challenging vocation for it caters to
individuals with disabilities. Through this type of education, students
with disabilities are educated effectively.
I read a line from an
article years ago that states: "It is said that a society can be judged
by the way it treats those who are different."
In a democratic
society it is believed that every individual is valuable in his own
right and should be afforded equal opportunities to develop his
potentials. The provision of special education will empower families to
build future for their children, normal and special alike.
It was said that "teaching" is what special education is most about.
The
role of the Special Education (SPED) teacher is very crucial. The SPED
teacher has the responsibility not only to teach the regular classroom
stuff like reading, writing, math etc, but also Activities of Daily
Living and peer socialization.
An important part of a special
education teacher's job is the early identification of a child with
special needs, intervention is vital in educating children with special
needs because as time goes on children who are not coping or who
struggle in the general curriculum can be negatively affected.
A
SPED educator's job is also challenging. Special education teachers work
with children and youths who have a variety of disabilities. I also
find this vocation fulfilling, for, it provides the opportunity to
establish meaningful relationships with special kids.
Although
helping these students can be highly rewarding, the work also can be
emotionally and physically draining. SPED teachers work under the threat
of litigation against the school or district by parents if correct
procedures are not followed or if they feel that their child is not
receiving an adequate education.
A SPED educator should be
well-guarded by the laws. Understanding and practicing the laws will
ensure a safe and legal environment for both the special child and SPED
teacher.
A special educator's battlecry should be "commitment".
Commitment spells equitable and excellent classroom. Without commitment
to the chosen vocation, one won't be able to do his/ her job well.
But,
teachers cannot do it alone. Teaching is a collaborative effort between
the educator, student, parents/ family and the community. SPED
educators, should express desire to be the parents' partner in the
development of the special child.
As teachers, trying to reach out
beyond the school to promote trust and understanding, and build
partnerships with all segments of the school community is significant.
Being active in associations/ causes supporting the special child/
special education can be a good start.
I would like to quote Robert Pasternack, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,U.S. Department of Education. He said:
"Some
of the kids that are in special education are not, in fact, kids with
disabilities. They are, in fact, instructional casualties. They are, in
fact, kids who haven't been taught successfully using scientifically
validated instructional approaches and research validated curricula in
the general education system and general education settings."
With that, I have the following implications to education of children with special needs:
- States will put a premium on Reading --- to deliver scientifically validated and scientifically based reading research, validated curricula and instructional strategies in classrooms.
- Continuous and more additional trainings for teachers. If professional development will be given to teachers, if it's sustained, if it's systematic, if it's embedded in what teachers do, then, in fact, we can go ahead and improve the capacity of teachers to address the learning needs of the heterogeneous groups of kids that they have in front of them on a daily basis.
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