Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Week One Reflection Journal



CEC Initial Preparation Standard 5:  Beginning special education professionals select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities. 

Key elements you will focus on:

5.1: Beginning special education professionals consider an individual’s abilities, interests, learning environments, and cultural and linguistic factors in the selection, development and adaptation of learning experiences for individuals with exceptionalities.

5.2:  Beginning special education professionals use technologies to support instructional assessment, planning, and delivery for students with exceptionalities.
In each reflective journal, respond to all of the following prompts:


a.      Discuss your prior beliefs about teaching students with disabilities.  How have the readings, discussions, and the assignment altered or informed your current beliefs, knowledge and skills related to planning instruction for students with disabilities?
My prior beliefs about teaching students with disabilities are that it can challenging, but very rewarding, and every teacher must do it. Based on my experience, and my reading which deepened my knowledge on possible scenarios and needs, I believe that every teacher will have students with special needs, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. Particularly being a kindergarten teacher, I will experience students that may have a learning disability that has not been diagnosed as of yet, and they may need RTI and further help and referrals. For students already diagnosed with an IEP, I deepened my knowledge as for including CCSS in the IEP. Previously, I was under the assumption that goals and objectives were according to what the team came up with, and while this is partially true, I now understand how these must also be aligned with CCSS. The information I gained along with useful strategies for accommodations will help me plan in my classroom to meet needs of students.
b.      After reviewing CEC Standard 5 and its two key elements, discuss three areas you would like to improve upon professionally during this course?  
The first area I would like to improve upon is planning to include students with exceptionalities so they can fully participate in learning in a way that is appropriate for them. I would also like to deepen my knowledge on creating a learning environment that supports the students and creates a true learning community. Finally, my third area I would like to improve upon is learning more ways to integrate technology into learning and expand my knowledge on possible AT devices.
c.       Based on your experience, current role in education, and/or future role in education, how might you apply these concepts to plan effective instruction for students with disabilities?
As a teacher for children with autism, having this knowledge I have a critical role of helping students to receive early intervention.  Further, since these students are so diverse, learning to differentiate instruction and apply teaching strategies to meet varying needs will be greatly applicable to my daily work. Learning more about technology and AT will also help me ensure students have the proper accommodations in the classroom. I actually believe all of my learning in this class will help me plan effective instruction.  

Monday, May 11, 2015



A.   I am currently a stay at home mom. Before being a stay at home mom I was a teacher for students with Autism. I would like to be a case manager for students with disabilities or be a teacher for children for Autism again.
B.     I chose Special Education as a specialization area because it’s dear to my heart. My brothers were both in special education classes and my fraternal girl/boy twins both have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The classes that I am taking now are giving me knowledge when educating my children at home and with any meeting that I have regarding their education. It will also give me the skills and knowledge once I am back in the work force.
C.     Since I have personal and professional experience with children with autism and LLD students I can give a personal and professional insight to that dimension.
D.     I am from Jersey and am married to my wonderful husband of six years. We have a set of fraternal girl/boy fraternal twins that are five years old and they both have ASD. I enjoy doing home projects with my children, going to the beach, spending time with my family, and taking care of them. I want to give advice for families that have just gotten a diagnosis of ASD
and let them know the resources that are available.