Embedded Files
Module 15: Educational Equality for All Students
Explore issues surrounding special education
Identify various learning abilities and determine the best practices to approach students
Analyze a case study relating to a student with a disability
Evaluate course content and complete a course evaluation
In addition to student diversity along the lines of race, gender, religion, social class, language and ethnicity, educators should also consider skill diversity. When the difference in skills is significant, the typical school curricula and teaching methods are no longer appropriate or effective. It is important to understand the difference between a disability and a handicap. The two are not synonymous. In some cases a handicap may be something imposed on the student by others rather than due to the disability. There is an ongoing debate about whether students should be labeled.
Some argue that such classification leads to stigmatization and others argue that it allows for appropriate services to be provided to these students with special needs. The fact that within each category of disability there are variations means that we cannot assume that the label provides information about each student’s educational needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides rules and regulations as to how to educate all students with disabilities. It is important that special education is not merely a ‘slowed-down, watered-down version of general education’ but a systematic and purposeful approach to meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities.
What is an IEP?
What is a 504 plan?
1. View Two Video Clips in the Introduction above - on IEPs and 504s
What is IDEA and what does it provide for students with various learning abilities?
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504?
Has your knowledge and perspective of Special Education changed after viewing?
2. Visit Site: Learning RX
What does this site say about weak cognitive skills?
Take the quick survey.
Do you agree/disagree with the results?
3. View Video Clip below: Things People with Disabilities Wish You Knew
Q: What is Ableism?
A: Ableism is discrimination in favor of able-bodied persons.
In our classrooms we strive to value, embrace and accept all of our learners. We should be mindful of how we talk to and about individuals with disabilities. In the video below you will hear from individuals who themselves have disabilities about how they want to be treated. As you are watching consider:
How does this impact the way you view disabilities and how you will communicate with students and their families living with disabilities?
What is your key take away?
4. View what this special education teacher from Hawaiʻi has to say about the importance of teaching in the special education field.
5. Read the Case Study: A Case of a Broken Arm
What are the issues/problems in the case? What instructional modifications in spelling did Mary make for Jim?
Were the modifications effective? Why or why not?
What instruction would you plan for Jim? What factors and information should you consider?
How would you talk to Helen about resolving the issues?
Please take a few minutes to evaluate the course through the link above.
This feedback is very important to me and it helps me improve course material and activities based on your thoughts
Your opinions matter to me and I appreciate your effort to fulfill this requirement!
Take a little time and answer the open-ended questions as well. Your opinion matters, and helps your colleagues as I continue to improve this course
Whatʻs Due in This Module:
Forum Discussion Quiz 15 (Due this week by Friday 2/14)
Course Evaluation (Due this week by Friday 2/14)
(post screen shot of completion w/your name visible in extra credit forum for 5 points)
Double check the grade book, and be sure you've submitted all assignments.
Throughout this course, you have learned about diverse students with regard to age, gender, sexual identity, culture, language, socio-economic status, ethnicity and most recently learning abilities. It is inevitable that the students that walk through your door on the first day of school will come from many backgrounds and have had many experiences. As effective teachers, it is our job to get to know who our students are right away. Start building positive relationships with them, and continue to acknowledge the cultures and languages of home life so that they can connect to school expectations and happenings.
We often label students or put them in categories based on their backgrounds. Perhaps what we should be doing is looking at ourselves as teachers, and asking ourselves, how can I provide the best learning experiences for my students? Perhaps we should ask ourselves at the beginning of each year, what are my biases and how I can check them at the door? How will I make my studentsʻ learning environment safe and inviting?
Leeward CC - Online Learning Resources
Leeward CC- Writing Center
Leeward CC- Learning Resource Center
Think about and reflect on the questions below....
What will you do differently because of this course?
How might the topics covered in this class contribute to your future teaching of diverse learners?
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