The Special Education JourneyBy: Taylor Niss

Introduction

• Junior at High Point University – 21 years old

• From: South Florida

• Major: Elementary Education

• Minor: Special Education

• Master’s: STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics)

What does it mean to be a “special needs student”

• Mild Extreme• Inclusion vs. separate • Accommodations and Adaptations– Have you had to make any accommodations in

your classroom?• Turn and talk

Special Education Myths

• Myth : Special Education is only for the severely disabled.• Fact: Special Education is for all disabled children no

matter how severe who by reason thereof NEED special education services.

• Myth : Special Education can only be performed in a special classroom.

• Fact: Special Education requires educating in the least restrictive environment. This means disabled children should be educated in the general education classroom with typical peers to the maximum extent possible.

http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/top-ten-myths-about-special-education/

504 Plan vs. IEP

• a 504 plan modifies a student's regular education program in a regular classroom setting. A 504 plan is monitored by classroom teachers.

• Does not require parental approval, but is strongly suggested.

• A student with an IEP, as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), may receive different educational services in a special or regular educational setting, depending on the student's need. IEP programs are delivered and monitored by additional school support staff.

• Requires parental approvalhttp://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/504-plans.html#

Willowbrook

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbiYJkiX-Dg

Pre- Activity

• Blind folds (2 people)• Non-dominant hand

Activity

• Copy the following sentence

“It is vital that when educating our children’s brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts.” - Dalai Lama

Blindfolds off/Reflection

• What challenges did you face?• Should students with disabilities be allowed to

be in regular education classrooms?• What adaptations will need to be made?• What adaptations have you had to make in

your own classroom for special needs?

14 areas of eligibility• VI – Visually Impaired• HI – Hearing Impaired• OHI – Other Health Impairments• TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury• DF - Deaf• DB – Deaf/Blind• AU - Autistic• MU – Multiple Disabilities• SI – Speech Impaired• DD – Developmentally Delayed• ED – Emotionally Disabled • OI – Orthopedically Impaired• LD – Learning Disabled• ID – Intellectually Disabled

Question for you….

• Advice/tips for a first year teacher

Thank You!!