In Canada, if we choose to teach, we are choosing to teach in an inclusive setting." -N. Hutchinson
My Portfolio (Special Education, Part 1)
This website is a collection of my work done during the Special Education, Part 1 course. During the course, I read a lot of articles, explored many websites about LD, special needs, and inclusive education, analyzed journal articles, developed an IEP with a group, and worked on independent assignments. This portfolio will serve as a reference source for me in future. Feel free to browse through the tabs above. ___Parm Ghag
This website is a collection of my work done during the Special Education, Part 1 course. During the course, I read a lot of articles, explored many websites about LD, special needs, and inclusive education, analyzed journal articles, developed an IEP with a group, and worked on independent assignments. This portfolio will serve as a reference source for me in future. Feel free to browse through the tabs above. ___Parm Ghag
Reflecting on My Experience...
I have been learning along with my students in diverse classrooms for the past nine years. I have earned this time playing multiple roles in grades 5-12 in a private school setting. Currently, I am a full-time TTOC with Mission School District.
When teaching students with disabilities; be it learning or physical, it is very important to have parents involved in their child’s education. Teachers should never hesitate to ask for help from other professionals and parents of students with special needs. I have had enriching experiences involving parents in child’s education. Most parents were very receptive and they easily shared what worked for their child at home. Some parents showed no interest and left everything up to me to handle.
On average, I had about 2-3 students with learning disabilities in my classes of 30 students. In the middle of August, I would visit the school to get the list of students in my classes or courses. I would check their medical histories or any learning disability detail on their report cards. The families' involvement will start in the first week of September. For the selected students, I would have a detailed meeting with the parents regarding the past behavior, routines, areas of concerns and things which might trigger an extreme behavior. This initial meeting was usually helpful in preparing myself to meet the needs of the students and do some pre- planning. After I would observe students' behavior and track their academic progress. My classroom experience was much better because of parents’ cooperation and support. I believe that parents' support and cooperation is best achieved by:
Communicating regularly
Being supportive
Being respectful
Focussing on strengths not the weaknesses
Being culturally responsive
Encouraging Parents involvement in school
Not only with family, the collaboration with other professionals in the building is also vital for the success of students with special needs. These professionals are co-teachers, school counsellors, EAs, and administration. Keeping the communication lines open and being ready to accept the feedback are vital for a successful inclusion of students with special needs.
When teaching students with disabilities; be it learning or physical, it is very important to have parents involved in their child’s education. Teachers should never hesitate to ask for help from other professionals and parents of students with special needs. I have had enriching experiences involving parents in child’s education. Most parents were very receptive and they easily shared what worked for their child at home. Some parents showed no interest and left everything up to me to handle.
On average, I had about 2-3 students with learning disabilities in my classes of 30 students. In the middle of August, I would visit the school to get the list of students in my classes or courses. I would check their medical histories or any learning disability detail on their report cards. The families' involvement will start in the first week of September. For the selected students, I would have a detailed meeting with the parents regarding the past behavior, routines, areas of concerns and things which might trigger an extreme behavior. This initial meeting was usually helpful in preparing myself to meet the needs of the students and do some pre- planning. After I would observe students' behavior and track their academic progress. My classroom experience was much better because of parents’ cooperation and support. I believe that parents' support and cooperation is best achieved by:
Communicating regularly
Being supportive
Being respectful
Focussing on strengths not the weaknesses
Being culturally responsive
Encouraging Parents involvement in school
Not only with family, the collaboration with other professionals in the building is also vital for the success of students with special needs. These professionals are co-teachers, school counsellors, EAs, and administration. Keeping the communication lines open and being ready to accept the feedback are vital for a successful inclusion of students with special needs.