Cereza, Kim J.

GS-31

Ms. Joy Buriel

Q#1

Quiz: Essay

1. What is the specific objective of special education?

Commitment - All the members of the collaboration task force need to be committed and
available when they are needed.

Consultation -The members of the team should be in continuous dialogue on the best way to
support and accommodate each other. At all attempts the consultations made should be
meaningful and appropriate.

Authority - All issues done in the team should be under authority. Caution needs to be taken in
handling of the students and when done, authority should first be sought.

2. Top 10 challenges of Special Education workers?

1. Lack of support and appreciation

I recently heard of a study that researched why there is such a high turnover rate for special
education, with the researchers believing their findings would indicate the paperwork aspect of
special education.
2. Parent Support
Knowing I am writing on a blog whose readers are mostly parents, I was hesitant to include
this but knowing it is one of the hardest parts of my job, felt I had to.
3. Public support
“You have the easiest job in the world!”
“I wish I had summers off!”
“What do you have to complain about?”
4.  Paperwork
Sometimes, I feel I have no time to create assignments and quizzes.
5. Scheduling
I have to coordinate my schedule with 9 different teachers and their schedules, and that’s not
including coordinating with the physical education teacher, the terror teacher.
6. Training and supervising paraprofessionals
Working with two other adults who are there to help me can be extremely beneficial. I am so
thankful for my aides and couldn’t do my job without them.
7. Collaborating with general education teachers
Finding the time to talk to each teacher is extremely important and extremely challenging.
Being organized enough to do so is also a very difficult task.
8. Data collection
Data collection is huge in special education.
9. Evidence of student growth
Student growth is now a part of all teachers’ evaluations in order to hold teachers more
accountable. It is a double-edged sword. Without question, it is critical that teachers are
effective in the classroom and students are learning from the instruction provided. On the other
side, we know not all assessments are valid indicators of student growth.
10. Variability of student’s needs
In all classes, you will see students who are at different ability levels, learn in different ways,
and understand concepts at different times. Differentiated instruction and individualized teaching
practices are challenging for all teachers. It gets even more difficult in a special education, multi-
aged classroom.

3. The four goals of early childhood special education.

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT

Cognitive or intellectual development is one of the biggest goals of early childhood special
education. This deals with strengthening and growing a child’s ability to think, reason, and
understand concepts.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Some special needs children struggle to develop fine or gross motor skills at the same rate as
other children. Early childhood special education aims to assist in developing a child’s strength,
balance, and coordination.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

It’s not called the terrible twos for nothing! Toddlers tend to experience rapid and intense mood
swings. Early childhood educators aim to help children regulate their emotions and self-soothe
during emotional outbursts.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Another fundamental aspect of a child’s overall development is social development. This refers
to a child’s ability to interact with peers, foster friendships, and strengthen communication skills.
Special education teaches children how to navigate these interpersonal relationships with
conflict management.

4. Types of Special Education

Push-in Services

Students with disabilities who require minimal intervention often receive “push-in” services as a
first step in the special education process. 

Pull-out Services

Students who need a bit more focused help from a speech-language therapist, occupational
therapist or another specialist may be pulled out of the classroom for work in a one-on-one or
group setting.

Inclusive Classrooms

Inclusive classrooms will have a mix of children of varying abilities and co-teachers within the
room that allows those who have special needs to get the additional help they require while
remaining in a traditional classroom setting.
Inclusive Classrooms

Inclusive classrooms will have a mix of children of varying abilities and co-teachers within the
room that allows those who have special needs to get the additional help they require while
remaining in a traditional classroom setting.

Specialty Schools

Those who have severe cognitive challenges and certain physical disabilities may be placed
into a specialty school where individual needs can be met by a very low student-to-staff ratio.

Residential Programs

Residential special education programs are best for students who require around-the-clock
care that is beyond the capability that their community can offer. These students often have
medical needs beyond what can be managed at home or in even a specialty school that come
before their educational needs.

5. What is a good goal for a special education teacher?

Special Education Teacher goals are basically targets set for the teacher and child to reach a
certain point, resolve a certain issue or cater to a certain challenge being faced by the child.
These are also centered around the child’s learning and growth based on academic, behavioral,
technical, social, and functional aspects.