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After reading and learning a wealth of knowledge this week, I am excited about the information we are going to learn in this course! I was glad to be reminded by Itard, Sequn, and Howe that moral treatment is still number one in teaching all students. I found a video that shows just that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXgRoWNQn0Y

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In addition to the materials read and studied for this class thus far, in another course currently being taken, an article titled Readicide speaks to SPED indirectly.    This article is an excellent support for those of us looking to alter school policy, pedagogy, and curricula by revolutionizing the "standards'" based mindsets to teaching. Dr Noguera's video is excellent in that it provides support for that which Readicide presents by unmasking the equity issues that persist in plain sight. Our class speaks specifically to how Readicide and Noguera's message affect students of "special needs." However, it is submitted further that what is considered t be "special needs" must be revisited and adjusted as well. I've attached a policy brief completed this week that is to be submitted to state legislators in partnership with a current school district here in Indiana taken control of by the state.  It's content relates to "special needs" in that policies, pedagogies, and curricula should be adjusted for the individual learner vs. current "accountability pedagogy and curricula."

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I loved reading chapter of place, profession and Program in the history of special education curriculum, because it made me aware of how important it is to have the students with disabilities in the same class with the other students by showing the results of isolating these students in the past. I also loved learning about equity vs equality and the part Dr. Noguero's talk about assigning the least effective  teachers to the high need kids. I suggest to watch this ted talk of Rita Pierson which is "Every kid needs a champion" to see how a teacher can change students' life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw

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This week made me remember how far our culture and society has come in relation to special education, but also how much more we need to accomplish. Dr. Noguero's talk together with our weekly reading reinforced my belief that our present system is not doing enough to provide support, empowerment, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Here is a great Ted talk I found when researching school equity this week https://www.ted.com/talks/kandice_sumner_how_america_s_public_schools_keep_kids_in_poverty

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The list of disabilities made me realize that I don't know as much as I thought I did about the different disabilities that qualify students to receive special education services.  I wonder what the differences are between disabilities qualifying for special education and 504 plans. https://www.education.nh.gov/instruction/school_health/faq_504.htm

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All children deserve equal opportunity and access to education. We have progressed greatly since the 19th century when considering the place, professionalism, and program for those requiring a special education. First hand experience and personal encounters can allow others to grasp the concepts even more and help them gain understanding and acceptance for others who are different.

https://youtu.be/Tzl8eSK7aIA
"Including Samuel" A fathers personal story!

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Watching Dr. Pedro Noguero speak inspired me to watch some of his other videos.  In this one, entitled "Are we failing our students?", he talks about taking different approaches to educating our children and creating schools where race and class do not predict a child's future.  It is work checking out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSehZPz2NoY

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I enjoyed delving deeper into Special Education in order to grow as a classroom teacher. I found the group discussion incredibly helpful and the chapter very interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dilnw_dP3xk

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During the Disability Categories Exploration, I looked into learning disabilities a little. I found out a couple disabilities that I'd never heard of, such as dysgraphia.
http://www.masters-in-special-education.com/lists/5-most-common-learning-disabilities/

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I found this article to support my experiences as a high school public education social studies teacher. Unfortunately, too many general education teachers have little to no knowledge or skills in working with students with special needs even though inclusive approaches have been the norm for a while. This article encourages supporting inclusion at your school. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/more-inclusion-students-special-education-your-school-maurice-elias

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As I was reading I was thinking about inclusive classrooms. I found this video from Patrick Schwarz about how inclusive classrooms can promote learning. I think it is important to think about inclusion when considering least restrictive environment.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sivUEfsX9o

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I found the video by Dr. Noguera very informative. It helped me make a lot of connections. A part of the Danforth, Taff and Ferguson chapter touched on racial bias and that's something that I'm really curious about exploring more. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2016/03/racial_bias_in_special_education_disproportionality.html

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http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/02/01/the-top-10-challenges-of-special-education-teachers/studentshttp://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/02/01/the-top-10-challenges-of-special-education-teachers/students

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I was most shocked by the statistic given in the Danforth, Taff, and Ferguson chapter about the amount of time black students spend in a segregated setting compared to white students. This is something I see on a day to day basis, but was unaware of how vast the difference truly was. The attached article is an interesting read about the disproportion of black males in special education.
http://www.blackchildren.org/why-are-so-many-black-males-in-special-education/

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Special education is more than just supporting http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/02/01/the-top-10-challenges-of-special-education-teachers/students because of a disability. One must understand the historical frame work to begv

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I really enjoyed reading the "People First Language" article. This is something I've know, but is always good to refresh and continue to learn about because all people have feeling and are much more than their labels. Far too often people get lazy when talking about other people and it's not appropriate. This is a link to some continued education about putting a person before their disability - http://www.ttacnews.vcu.edu/2011/05/put-me-first-the-importance-of-person-first-language/

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I was shocked at the statistic quoted in the Danforth, Taff and Ferguson article concerning the lack of adequately trained teachers for special needs students.  I was also surprised to learn that mainstreaming these students is more beneficial than segregating them.  The article below addresses both of these issues that are prevalent not only the U.S. but also in Australia.
https://www.aare.edu.au/blog/?p=2292

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In the Danforth, Taff and Ferguson article, it states that there is a massive number of teachers who are providing instruction to students with disabilities but are not certified in any area of special education. The link below discusses the ways in which teacher training as it stands is a disservice to teachers and students. It also discusses the ways in which some educational institutions are changing their programs to better prepare their future teachers. https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/03/how-teacher-training-hinders-special-needs-students/518286/

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It is important that special education professionals are involved in the conversation and decision making in schools. Collaborating with educators who work with students with disabilities can provide supports that can significantly impact all students in helping them succeed academically. The following link provides insight on the importance of including students with disabilities in the general education classroom.
http://www.ascd.org/publications/classroom-leadership/dec2001/Including-Students-with-Disabilities-in-General-Education-Classrooms.aspx

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Things have changed and yet stayed the same on varying levels in the growth of special education. It seems there needs to be more focus on individual learning styles and relevant application of material learned. The Montessori-similar history in special education and Montessori's hands-on, tailored approach have me wondering how special education and the Montessori approach might work together, which is why I came across this: http://www.montessorieducationforautism.com/page5.htm

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Because specific learning disabilities was the most percentage of the population with special needs, it is important to know what it is and how to educate those students in the classroom.
I am providing an article link below entitled, Specific Learning Disabilities in the Classroom which defines and gives strategies. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-are-specific-learning-disabilities-3110769