Blog 4

I had the opportunity to speak with a parent of a student that I will call Troy who was diagnosed with ADD at the age of five.  She explained that at first she and her husband had a hard time accepting the diagnosis of her son.  She also explained some of Troy’s behavior that led her to seeking outside help for her son. She and her husband were afraid that Troy would hurt himself through the excessive running, jumping, and the inability to sit still. Troy’s behavior led him to take medication daily to aid in helping him with controlling his behavior. I also asked if she noticed a difference in Troy’s behavior since being diagnosed. I also discussed with the parent whether or not she and the teacher worked out activities that will reinforce positive behaviors at home and at school. The parent stated that she was glad that her son was able to attend a regular setting classroom. Troy parent also loved the fact her son was not labeled and did not have to pull out of his regular classroom to receive his special services. The teacher worked with her and positive reinforcement behaviors were put into place at school and at home. She stated that together she and the teacher worked together with rewards, point system to encourage positive action from Troy’s.

 I think that a special learning experience that I received in the two weeks that I observed is how involved the parents were in their child’s classroom. The parents were always welcomed into her classroom. If there were any questions or concerns that the parents have the teacher were there to answer them. There were many children who have disabilities in her classroom and they are as involved in activities as the rest of the children. The children are working together and it seems that a community within her classroom. Also the teacher sends home weekly newsletter that contains information for the week and activities as well as recipes that children and their families can do at home. As my time is nearing the end I now know what type of teacher that I would like to be. I would also want to have a good relationship with my students and their parents as well as having a voice within the community.

 One insight that I gained from my observation is that all children learn and behave differently. I also learned through my observation that all children can learn. It is also important to inform parents of the progress of their children. also if you have observe something that is out of the norm for a child, the child exhibiting a certain behavior, having trouble seeing the board, or difficulties hearing direction. Another insight that I learned through my interaction with the teachers, parents and director is that there are services that are put into place for children with special needs. Early intervention is essential for children who have special needs. Teachers must work together with parents and special services providers to ensure that children will receive an enriched learning experience.

Interview with Professionals

Whom you observed and interacted with in your setting during these two weeks

I had the opportunity to observe the principle at Thomas Edison Elementary school. She has worked in the district for over fifteen years. The time that I spent talking and observing her she demonstrated love, patience and understanding for the students. The first week that I observed her she had a little first grade student who was sent to her office for behavior problems. The principle stated that she has been working with the little boy since the beginning of the school year. She stated that he has behavioral issues and every Friday he will come into her office and they would talk about his week and rather or not his name was moved for behavioral reasons. That particular day the little boy was able to retrieve a token of how proud she was of him for that week for staying in the safe zone. The next week there was a different student in her office.

 

Any special learning experiences, insights, challenges, etc., related to your topics/focus questions and/or advocacy efforts in this setting, the community, and/or the field

I had a chance to talk with the principle of the school and she shared her view on how important inclusion is for the students. She provided me with a rule book that discusses the policy that her school district have on Special education. There was a lot of information that she provided for me to read at my leisure. A learning experience that I gained talking to the principle is that the teachers have to attend many workshops and training that will help them better serve the needs of all students. She also stressed how important early intervention is.  An insight that I received was information on their Child Find. Child Find is responsible for seeking out and identifying all children from birth up to the age of 21 within their school district that maybe eligible for special education and/or related services.

She also talked about inclusion and how children who are diagnosed as special need children their progress is reviewed and is also an ongoing progress that will continue to be monitored by teachers, and other professionals. She stated that this in an important process because it will allow children that does exhibit problems that will interfere with the education to be eligibility for special education and related services. Another insight that I received was that the teachers there were encouraged to participate in their transition planning. This transitional planning allow teachers and the designated lead agency will develop a transitional plan that will enable their school to implement IFSP and IEP that is to be no later than their third birthday. She also stated that children are placed in a least restrictive environment. This means that students who have disabilities have the rights to be educated with non disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate.

I asked the principle about the challenges of inclusion she was faced with. She stated that some children exhibit behavior problems because of their disabilities. She stated that the safety of all children in their goal as well as education.  She also stated that it is essential for teachers to receive proper training that will enable them to place emphasis on positive disciplines. She also state that another challenge is the lack of proper funding that will enable teachers, principles, and support staff to have continuous professional development.

During the last two weeks I talked with the principle who also believes it is important for families to be an active participate in their child’s education.  Parents must have supports systems in which they can meet and talk together about their concerns. They must also build relationships with peers who are in the community. They must also know and become familiar with the rights that their children have. Also it is important for them to be an advocate for their child and their rights.