Embracing Special

Education

What is Special Education?

• Is an individually planned and systematically implemented ad carefully evaluated instruction to help exceptional children achieve the greatest possible personal self sufficiency ad success in present ad future environments.

Terms use in special education

a) Disabled Personsb) Individualized Education Programc) Mainstreamingd) Reasonable Accommodatione) Rehabilitationf) Sheltered Employmentg) Social Barriersh) Zero Defect

Types of disabilities

1. Autism- a neurological disorder that affects communication and the processing of sensory information.

2. ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)- a Brain-based condition that is characterized by poor attention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.

3. Learning Disabilities- refers to disorder in one or more of the basic psychological process involved in understanding or using spoken or written language, which can result in difficulties in reading, writing, listening, speaking, thinking, spelling or mathematics.

a. Dyslexiab. Dysgraphiac. Dyscalcula or dyscalculiad. Non - verbal

4. Mental Retardation

classification IQ range Capabilities according to supervision

Mild 50-55 to 70 Can learn basic academics and have enough social adaptive ability to become semi- independent or independent living

Moderate 35-40 to 50-55 Can learn self-help, communicate, social and simple occupational skills but limited to academics and vocational skills

Severe 20-25 to 35-40 Can learn self-help, communication and simple work tasks under supervision

Unspecified There is no strong presumption and the person is considered to be untestable by standard intelligence test.

5. Physical impairments

Impairment Description

Cerebral palsy Literally means “paralysis of the brain” involving muscle control, posture and movement that is not progressive or does not get worse over time.

Hearing A permanent or temporary disability in listening that will affect learning skills or academic achievement.

Visual Blindness is referred as having low or no vision.

Aphasia or apraxia Expressive speech disorder or any language impairment, receptive or expressive, caused by brain damage.

6. Gifted and Talented –these children exhibits excellence in the areas of intellect, creative arts, leadership, and in some specific academic areas whose parents or teachers are astonished with their reasoning power or geniuses.

Individualized Education Plan

It is a legal document made through with special education

assessment, eligibility and

instructional planning procedures.

The Special Education Curriculum

1. Integrative or Activity- Centered Curriculum Approach

The scope and sequence of this approach is found in the child himself. The learner’s needs and interests supply the basis for planning the activity or experience- centered curriculum.

2. Child- Centered Curriculum Approach.

It is designed for the child as the center of the educational process. Children become the focus of educational efforts.

Disability Suggested Curriculum

Learning Disabilities

Dyslexia- Weekly spelling tests with schedules posted on the bulletin board. Students with dyslexia have much easier time focusing on a topic that is interesting to themDyscalculia- Keep a sharp eye for opportunities and skills that are appropriate with mathematical understanding and interest. Use Graph, blocks of different sizes and clearly outline boxes with numbers. Provide copies of any computation or word problems that were undertaken in the class.Dysgraphia- must be taught with cursive writing. Use paper with wide lines to determine student’s skill level. Plastic pencil grips may relieve the physical tension of the gripping the pencil.

ADD/ ADHD The curriculum includes a balance of teacher- directed and self- directed activities. Teach the child to be on time. Provide activities to maintain focus

Autism Visual cues greatly help them understand language, concepts , direction and schedules which are strategically posted inside the classroom. Teach concepts in many different settings. Identify the interest of each child with autism and utilize these as your instructional materials.

Tourette Syndrome Some homework and school assignments need to be shorter. Work closely with an occupational therapist who can make helpful suggestions on his/ her classroom.

Mental Retardation Structure lessons carefully by thinking about steps involved, present skills and concepts. Take time to introduce new information. Then practice, practice, practice and review.

Gifted and Talented When you beginning an area of instruction, quickly assess whether your student already has concepts and skills. Put forth effort on creativity. Provide drill work for your student to willingly accept task. Let your student come up with great ideas you feel can profit him/ her most.

Physical Impairments Hearing impairment- Use visual cues to reinforce concepts and facts. Film shown must be provided with captions or written scripts. Provide written directions on the board at her desk. Picture cues are equally important.Visual Impairment- Use verbal cues in your instruction. Teach your student to give you a signal if he is confused. The sizes of your print materials are helpful for them.

Teachers touch lives but special education

teachers “ reach and touch” lives of children

under their care.