My Special Education Classroom Observation by Stephanie LaFevre

Signed Form by Principle and Teacher

stephanielafevre — 2024-03-13 22:58:43 UTC

I spent the day in a Special Education Classroom on February 29, 2024. I observed Ms. Tiffany Arnold at Garfield Elementary in Augusta, Kansas.

The particular type(s) of special needs learner(s) you observed

stephanielafevre — 2024-03-13 23:08:49 UTC

There were two students that were in the actual Special Education classroom most of the day. Student 1 is a 6 year old female student that is a Non-verbal autistic student. She also is wheelchair bound, has hearing aids and a vision issue. Student 2 is a 5th grade male student that has a Learning disability. There were others that came in and out throughout the day as well. I did not take pictures of the classroom to protect the students privacy.

The related teaching and learning setting (grade level(s) and/or student age range, number of students, location, classroom details, etc...)

stephanielafevre — 2024-03-13 23:37:52 UTC

The first hour of the day we pulled 5 students from a 4th grade classroom for Multi Tier System of Support (MTSS). Three students were able to go to the reading area with their books. While the other two were involved in progress monitoring for multi step math problems. The questions were read to them, but they needed to try and do the math the best they could. During this time there were a total of 5 groups in the classroom with 4 of the groups being 1 on 1. Of the 1 on 1's there was a 5th grader, 2-3rd graders, and a kindergarten student. One of the 4th graders that was in progress monitoring had cochlear implants and was assisted by an American Sign Language assistant. Ms. Arnold also wore an electronic devise around her neck that helped the student hear her as well.

Student 1

stephanielafevre — 2024-03-13 23:49:06 UTC

Student 1 has everyone wrapped around her little finger without even knowing it. She is given pictures throughout the day to decide what she wants to do. At one point she was taken from her wheelchair and placed on a bench to see how long she could sit unsupported. I thought she did great and was at almost 2 minutes I believe (I did not have the timer on so I am not 100% sure on the exact number). After the time on the bench she was given floor time for about half an hour. She has two separate chairs at school at this time one that she strictly sits in and the other is a standing chair to work her muscles. This little girl touched my heart in so many ways that, I know more than ever that I want to work in Special Education.

Description of teaching strategies AND effectiveness of the teaching strategies used with the special needs learner(s).

stephanielafevre — 2024-03-14 00:03:42 UTC

They had so many different strategies and with so many students in and out throughout the day. It was almost mind boggling trying to pick just a few strategies. At one point during the day we did go into the 1st grade classroom during their guided dictation time. Ms. Arnold worked with a group of 5 students right in the classroom. I do not know if any of them come to her classroom during the day as it was an off day due to an afternoon activity. I really enjoyed going into the actual classroom with her to see that they do try to keep the students amongst their peers.

Your thoughts and/or ideas about teaching in a classroom that includes special needs learners.

stephanielafevre — 2024-03-14 00:08:52 UTC

I truly enjoyed my day in the Special Education classroom. I have been seriously considering continuing my education to specialize in Special Education. This time made me feel that this is truly something I do want to do. I loved how all the para's and the teacher worked together to help all the children and none were left without knowing that they were special.