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.