Running head: THE SPECIAL POPULATIONS 1

Educating the Special Populations

Ashley Diana Simms

Paris Junior College

Educ-2301.200

Dr. Marian Ellis, Instructor

October 6, 2019
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In this short essay I will discuss my beliefs and philosophies on special populations such

as the gifted and talented, special education, English language learners, and homeless students.

They say that every great teacher has their own special way of connecting with the class and

being able to teach the information to the children so that they can remember instead of just

memorize. Some teachers might stick harshly to the book while other teachers might be more

Hands-On, and class engaged with group activities. Every student does not learn the same, that is

why it is important to be able to have different teaching methods and to be able to connect with

all the students.

Gifted and talented is one of the special populations that we find in educational

institutions. The students that are typically placed within the gifted and talented are those that

excel in their classes and have great potential. I believe that motivating these students can greatly

affect their learning outcomes, these students already have shown that they have great potential

far from their peers within their grade.

Special education is so important not only to the students that are in it but to the teachers

as well. I believe that special education is so humble, helping these students with disabilities

gives them a fair chance to learn and feel as though they can accomplish ordinary goals such as

their classmates. Students in the special education program might need a little more tending to

then the regular students. It might take longer for students to learn the material.

English language learners are important as well, not only are these individuals smart, they

are in the process of learning another language than their own. These students might need to go

over certain topics more than once to fully comprehend since there is a language barrier in the

way. I believe that these students are special since most of them are usually the children of

immigrants. They deserve the same amount of time as all other students.
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The last special population that I will discuss is the homeless students. You would be

surprised to find out how many students come from the streets or from broken families, or do not

have any family at all. It is important to recognize these students early on so that they can be

given the attention they strongly need so that they can be motivated to push through school.

There is a large percentage of students in the United States that drop out or do not finish school

due to a lack of family or household support.

I believe that all students should have a fighting chance no matter what special population

they are in. All these children will one day become the adults making the decisions for our

future. It is important that we tend to those with learning disabilities, those that need some extra

help, or even those that excel past their classmates. There are no favorites within the educational

system. I believe that being a teacher means being able to learn different methods so that you

will be able to teach every type of student that comes your way.