Philosophy of Special Education

           Every child thinks and learns in their own unique way. It is important to understand that different never means less. As soon as society can overlook this stigma, we will be one step closer to giving children with exceptionalities the very best chance at success. Children with disabilities are most definitely capable of learning and the regulations under IDEA help them to reach their maximum potential in the classroom. These exceptional children have many obstacles to overcome, but as teachers, we should do everything in our power to mold them into what they have the potential to become.

           I believe that all children, especially those with disabilities, have the capacity to learn. With some students, there are limitations on how much knowledge they can obtain. For every child to be successful, there must first be an understanding of any disabilities, and if one is present, then that disability needs to be understood. The child cannot benefit from a teacher who does not take the time to learn what each individual child needs. Children also need to feel safe in the classroom environment. As educators, we must establish security in our class at the very beginning of the school year. When students feel secure, they feel comfortable and confident in themselves, which will also allow them to gain more knowledge. 

           The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, was originally established under a different name in 1975. Its purpose was to provide children with disabilities with a free public education and a specialized education plan designed just for that child’s special needs. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act kind of got the ball rolling first when it declared in 1973 that people with disabilities should not be excluded from any government funded programs. This act really opened the door for so many children who once weren’t given a fair chance at a good education. They were treated as if they were incapable of learning and were forced to hide themselves from the world. Having them separated from public schools created an unfair perception of who these children with disabilities are. We know now that they are not incapable of learning, but they do have obstacles that they must overcome in order to learn.

           The obstacles that students with disabilities face differ with each child and each disability. For example, a child with dyslexia will most likely has trouble reading and comprehending because that child’s brain jumbles letters and makes it difficult to identify which letter he/she is seeing. When they can’t get the letters right, it focuses their reading on the individual words and not on the comprehension of what they are reading. Or, a child with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention in class and might miss important instruction or material. Other children who have mobility issues may require the use of assistive technology in the classroom. Whatever the obstacle is, we must find whatever way necessary to help that child overcome it.

           Exceptional children have more options now for their education than ever before. When considering where the most conducive environment for learning for them will be, I think the child’s level of disability should be considered first. I believe that all children would greatly benefit from being in the general classroom. They need to be socialized with other students, not just to benefit them, but to create an acceptance and understanding amongst their peers. For so long, children with disabilities have been separated from the regular classroom, so they have been an anomaly and even feared a little bit by the general education students. It would be so wonderful to see them together and to learn from one another. Being in the general education classroom also gives the disabled child the same education as the other students. It allows them to have to push themselves to work harder and do the same assignments as the rest of the class.

           The most important role performed by the special education teacher is to help each exceptional child reach their full learning potential. They need to be pushed and challenged just as much as the general education students. If we can provide for them every tool to succeed as we can, along with encouraging them all along the way, I think that we as teachers have done our job. But the most important thing to me is just overall acceptance. Children need to be loved and accepted just the way that they are without feeling like they need to change or conform to fit society’s unfair standards.

           Regular education teachers also play an important role in the success of the special education student. If that student is in a regular classroom, that teacher must focus on the child’s disability and provide the appropriate tools to make that child feel comfortable in a classroom full of general education students. I feel that they same level of compassion and acceptance is a must. Student’s need confidence to help them become the best that they can be, and as educators, we must do our best to make them feel confident.

           With my own journey of having an exceptional child, I have learned so much that I will carry with me into my own classroom one day. I know that each child is different and that it is important to understand that different isn’t a bad thing, but rather a challenge to see the world from a different perspective. Children need someone in their lives who they trust to accept them and who believe in them, and I can not wait to be that person for so many children.