EDU 6066 Parent Interview and Reflection by

What is your perspective of Inclusion?

ctabbyto0022 — 2024-05-23 17:52:04 UTC

I love the idea of inclusion, I want my son to be with his peers and friends. I don't don't want him to feel left out or as if he is unable to doing things with everyone else. He may need extra help in learning but he is still a kid like all the others. I want him to be able to all the things that we wants and enjoy his life.

Reflection: I agree with this answer but I also feel like it may not be right for everyone. I feel like inclusion can work for most students but it shouldn't be one-size fits all, after all its called an individualized education plan, so it has to be appropriate for each student. I agree that her son should be get to have the same school experiences as the other students do. I also agree that her son should be able to do the things that he wants in this life.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of inclusion programming that you have experienced?

ctabbyto0022 — 2024-05-27 22:55:58 UTC

The advantages that I have experienced are that my child is participating with his peers in the gen ed classroom and even making friends too. Academically, he is making small growth but most of that is done in his special education class. He goes to his Gen ed class for p.e., social studies, and science. The disadvantages are that when he does go into his gen ed class, he tends to feel lost because he wasn't there before so he doesn't know what's going in when he get there. He said the other students know that he is in a special education class for parts of the day and the sometimes tease him about it. He is very sensitive and doesn't understand social cues so he has had a difficult time making friends. However, he has made one in class and that helps him feel more included.

Reflection:

After hearing this I realize the importance of inclusion and how I can help students with disabilities be more included in their Gen ed class. Her concerns are things I have witnessed just being a substitute teacher. I think for this student full inclusion can be an option with the help of a sped teacher in the class having small group time with him and supporting him.

The role of the school and educational professionals in facilitating effective collaboration between school and home (e.g., in the past, what particular activities or practices have helped the parent feel more comfortable with working with the child’s teacher or school staff?)

ctabbyto0022 — 2024-05-27 23:12:36 UTC

The things that have made me more comfortable with my child's teachers and administrators are the weekly progress reports, the ability to call my son's teacher to ask questions and them be willing to call me and ask for my input. I also appreciate when I am actually listened to in the IEP meeting and not just dismissed as if I don't know anything because I don't work in the school.

Reflection: The thing that really stuck out to me was that they just really want to know how their son is doing and what is going with his education. Keeping this in mins, I will make sure to have weekly progress reports in some aspect and maybe a monthly newsletter for the parents to stay up to date on classroom and school activities. I will also be sure that my parents feel heard during the IEP meetings and use their input in my classroom decisions.

What are the needs and expectations that the parent has from teachers and other school professionals?

ctabbyto0022 — 2024-05-27 23:48:38 UTC

My needs and expectations are that my son's needs come first and that they are met. I also, expect to be respected and listened to, I know my son the best. I also expect to be a part of my son's education and that he is treated as he is capable of learning and progressing. I need to know that we can work as a true team for my child not them against me. I value their knowledge and opinions but I want to know that mine will be valued as well.

Reflection:

Most parents expect for their child's needs to be met and for teachers to work with their children when behaviours happen. This conversation made me think about how I will support my students and how I will manage their behaviours. As mention in previous questions I will make sure to value parents and their knowledge of their child. I will also do my best to ease the parents fears and help them know that I am on their side and want their child to succeed.

What helpful advice can the parent provide regarding how the teachers/staff can best meet the child’s academic, social, behavioral, and emotional needs while in the classroom setting?

ctabbyto0022 — 2024-05-28 23:55:16 UTC

The most important thing is communication. Don't wait until there is an issue to talk to the parents. Reach out first and compliment the child and seek the parents opinion of what works for their child and what doesn't. Don't mention medicine and do not add labels of other disabilities, as some have similar traits as others. Make sure that there are capable and trained people around my child and others with disabilities to make sure that they understand the child's disability and behaviours. I like that my child's education team is full of compassionate people who know my son and his disability and how to support him.

Reflection:

The importance of communication with parents has always been stressed upon me through out my college career, but this made me see it from the parent's perspective. I realize know how much the parent can feel left in the dark about their child's education and school life. I also never thought about how sometimes the parent's first interaction with the teacher can be negative and it shouldn't be that way. I will try my very best to make the first contact and seek their guidance about what works for their child and what doesn't.