A Special Education WebQuest

Introduction

Special Education is a word that describes a unique way of learning for an individual. This type of instruction is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. To break it down further, this is education that is individually tailored to a child's specific learning needs regarding their disability. So, the type of special education that works for one student may not necessarily work for another. Through the special education programs, a child can start in any level necessary to help achieve success. Through this WebQuest, the students will have a broadened knowledge of special education and all the things that tie in with special education in the school system and at home.

Task

The students will be engaged in gathering information about special education laws and policies, and procedures, different types of disabilities/disorders related to special education, promoting access to the curriculum, delivery of appropriate services to exceptional learners, and promoting positive behavior and facilitating social skills. The students will divide up into 5 equal groups of 3, where each individual in the groups will assume one of the following roles: student, teacher/educator, and a parent/legal guardian. The teacher will assign each student his/her role. Students will be given 4 class periods to work on their individual roles. On the fifth day, the groups will reunite, sharing with each other their findings and creating a Powerpoint presentation to present their finings to the rest of the class.

Process

A group leader will be determined by the teacher, and that group leader will choose 3 random names out of a hat.
The roles of student, teacher, and parent will be handed out.
Each individual will do Internet research on their role using provided links.
The group will reunite, discussing and brainstorming their findings and create a creative Powerpoint presentation.
The group will then present each of their slides to their fellow classmates.

Evaluation

At the conclusion of our WebQuest, the students will be evaluated on their PowerPoint presentations and how creative they were. In the presentation, the following elements will be graded:

Organization of information
Legibility of letters and other content on each slide
Are there graphics included?
Is the background appropriate? Does it add to the presentation or take away from the presentation?
Does the information on each slide correlate with the purpose of each slide?
Does each person talk during the presentation?
Is the group prepared?

Conclusion

This WebQuest is an exciting and beneficial way for students to expand their knowledge on special education and how it plays an impact to everyday living. In today's school system, may students that are not apart of the special education program are unaware of the process and how it changes a normal school setting for the individual involved in the special education program. In the classroom settings today, the problem of challenging our students to be creative and leaders, and active learners is very real. This lesson gives them a chance to be all of these things and see it from different perspectives. My challenge for my students is that they will not limit themselves to only doing what is assigned, but take the time to research more on how they can help make an impact on those in the special education program's in their school.

Credits

Resources Students May Use: