Philosophy

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Views of Special Education

After learning about special education and the school system, I have developed many views about what I think is appropriate and not when it comes to teaching. I believe that many of the methods for dealing with special education are appropriate. The education system should have all the options open for children to help them learn. By having many options for students and parents, an education more suitable for that child is possible.

As a future teacher or parent, I would want to know that many options are out there like having inclusion classrooms, resource rooms, separate classroom, separate school, or a residential school. The more options the better. And I really think that a child has to have a big say in where he or she thinks is the best or most comfortable. Some children with some disabilities shouldn’t only have the option of either being in a separate room or in a regular classroom. For example, if a student can learn in a regular classroom with the assistance of a Special Educator, then there is no reason this student should be excluded from a regular classroom. If a student has a serious learning problem, then it would not be fair, to that student or other students, if he or she were not in a separate classroom where more attention can be given to the student. Students also have to know that this is not a permanent option, and that they can be moved to a different situation at any time.

As a future teacher, I would really want to be an inclusive special educator. I have always liked the idea of sharing a classroom with another teacher. Being able to walk around the room and individually reinforcing what the main teacher has taught. I also wouldn’t mind being a resource room teacher. I think it is great to be able to have five students at a time and put all your focus into helping them.

I also find it very important that children who are labeled should not feel as if this label will affect them socially or in their future career. It is very important that labels are not viewed as being negative, negativity should always be looked down upon. We as teachers have to make sure that when children with disabilities are in inclusive classrooms that they are not being treated in anyway different besides what their needs require. And we have to teach students that they should never exclude students with special needs in fear of being scrutinized by their friends.

A lot of improvements still need to be done to our school systems in order to guarantee a proper education for all. The most important improvement needed is making sure that each student with a need has the best education program that fits his or her needs. Today the curriculum is altered for certain needs, but I feel that more needs to be done to better individualize the system for each student. I’m very exciting knowing that soon I will be a teacher and get to be involved in helping children with special needs.

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