Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education

Introduction

Defining Special Education

Special education is defined as classes or instruction designed for students with specific educational needs. These special educational needs are supported by a document called an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) which helps teachers and parents understand the modifications or accomodations needed to make sure their educational experience is successful. There are different settings that are involved with special education and an IEP helps with placement of the students. 

https://youtu.be/w6ChmwtD_6s

 

Task

Classroom Settings for Special Education

Inclusion Classroom (Mainstream Classroom): This is a classroom that is inclusive to students with special needs. This general education classroom full time, with special education support (such as consultation between specialists and the classroom teacher or provision of special materials and modifications)

Resource Classroom: Placement in a class or school for part or all of the school day, where specific interventions and instructional  techniques can be provided by special education personnel.

Self-contained Classroom: classroom that is characterized by; a smaller setting, lower student/teacher ratio (usually 10 students or less), taught by a certified special education teacher, and has a paraprofessional or instructional assistant for additional support. In a self-contained classroom, the special education teacher ensures that the student is receiving the accommodations necessary (as listed in his/her IEP) for them to access the general education curriculum. These specific needs and additional requirements may be best implemented in a smaller setting and with more support, in order to help students with their academic needs.

https://specialedlessonplans.com/what-is-a-self-contained-classroom/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/choosing-the-right-special-education-placement-3106886

Related Services

Speech-Language and Audiology services: These services are provided for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and children with speech delays. Some services include auditory training, speech reading, language habilitation, language habilitation, speech conservation, programs for hearing loss prevention. Screenings are usually conducted in school to help the teacher and IEP team know what services are needed.

Psychological Services: These services are there to provide positive behavioral strategies that can benefit students in an educational setting. These include everything from assessments, interventions, program management and parent support programs that incorporate counseling services.

Interpreting Services: These services are provided for the deaf and hard of hearing and deaf-blind students. These services are essential to help student have access to classroom instruction and peer interactions. Examples include oral transliteration, cued language transliteration, sign language and interpreting and transcription. 

Physical Therapy: This service can look different depending on the child's disability. Issued addressed are posture, mobility and muscle strength. Physical therapy services can either be precaution or preventative. The goal of physical therapy is to help students be more comfortable and move better in their educational environment.

Occupational Therapy: These services are to help improve motor skills,balance, and coordination as well as self-regulation skills. This can help with everyday struggles such as writing or getting dressed.

Social Work Services: helps develop positive behaviors and can work with parents to improve a student's home situation that will benefit their school performance. Sometimes this may include positive behavioral intervention.

https://www.behaviorist.com/what-are-related-services-in-special-education/

Process

Special Education Process

https://youtu.be/MNmbD7V8w2Y

Step 1: Referral

Step 2: Evaluation

Step 3: Eligibility

https://youtu.be/96cTW_AmpgQ

Step 4: IEP

https://youtu.be/q2XlAWcMAUk

Step 5: Placement

Step 6:Instruction

Step 7: Annual Review

Evaluation

What is the difference between an IEP versus a 504 Plan?

https://youtu.be/OOh-9iaUt-E

 

 

Conclusion

IDEA is the nations special education law. Schools must find and evaluate students thought to have disabilities at zero cost to families.

IDEA places responsibilities on states and public schools. First, school districts must provide a FAPE (Free and Appropriate Education) to kids with disabilities. And these kids must learn side by side with peers as much as possible or the least restrictive environment or LRE.

Schools must evaluate students who might have a disability and provide services if they qualify and an IEP is created.

Credits

Sources

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20education

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-need-to-know

https://specialedlessonplans.com/what-is-a-self-contained-classroom/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/choosing-the-right-special-education-placement-3106886

https://www.behaviorist.com/what-are-related-services-in-special-education/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249834022_What_Is_Special_About_Special_Education_Overview_and_Analysis

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children

https://www.publicschoolsfirstnc.org/resources/fact-sheets/facts-about-special-education/

https://www.niche.com/k12/search/schools-with-special-ed-program/s/north-carolina/

https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/parents-and-families/

 

 

 

 

 

 

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